An 18-year-old girl died while kayaking at a lake in Texas after a jet ski hit-and-run over the Memorial Day weekend. Ava Moore was kayaking at Lake Grapevine, about 25 miles northwest of Dallas, on the evening of May 25 when a jet ski with two women on board fatally struck her,Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said in a statement. While the jet ski passenger remained on scene to be interviewed by first responders, the operator fled with a man, police said. The two then hit a vehicle while leaving the area. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department spokesperson Maggie Berger told USA TODAY on May 27 that a suspect identified as Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez was taken into custody in connection with the accident. "More details will be available later," Berger said. A witness, Lisa Scrabeck,told CBS Newsthat Moore was pulled ashore after she was hit, adding that she was wearing a life jacket, which was removed before CPR began. "She didn't suffer in agony," Scrabeck told the outlet. "It's very tragic, and I extend my deepest condolences to the family. I can't imagine being the parents of this young girl. But one thing I can say is that she didn't suffer from the moment I saw her." The witness added she had noticed the two women accused of the hit-and-run driving the jet ski "recklessly" throughout the day. Authorities are investigating both incidents, the statement said, adding that the Grapevine Police Department is looking into the car accident and Texas Game Wardens are leading the water fatality investigation. "Our thoughts are with Ava's family and friends during this difficult time," the post said. "Texas Game Wardens remain committed to keeping our public waters safe." Anyone with information on the suspect and incident is requested to email the Grapevine Police Department at cidmail@grapevinetexas.gov. AGoFundMeset up to support Moore's family and help pay for her funeral arrangements said she was "an outstanding student and athlete" who had just returned from Colorado Springs after finishing her first year at the Air Force Preparatory School. The fundraiser, which had a target of $20,000, has raised more than $22,000 as of May 27. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:18-year-old kayaker killed in jet ski hit-and-run at Lake Grapevine
