Olympian JJ Rice dies at the age of 18 in a diving accident

The sports community mourns the tragic death.

Jackson James “JJ” RiceA US-born windsurfer who competed professionally for Tonga’s national team has died in a diving accident off the coast of Tonga, his father said. Darren Rice It has been confirmed for local outlet Matangi Tonga Online. He was 18 years old.

His father told the outlet that he was free diving from a boat on June 15 when he died due to a power outage in shallow water. His body was reportedly found at the bottom of the sea under the boat by other divers and attempts to revive him failed.

JJ was born in the United States and grew up on Ha’apai, a group of islands in Tonga where his father and mother were from Nina Rice Own the Matafonua Island Lodge. As a Tongan national, JJ has represented the country in kite foiling at international events over the years, and was hoping to make his Olympic debut representing Tonga at the 2024 Paris Games.

After his death, J.J.’s sister Laila Rice She shared a few words about her brother on social media.