Tragedy struck as Jackson James Rice, aged 18, passed away in a diving accident just weeks before his anticipated participation in the Paris Olympics.
Rice was on track to make history as the first Caucasian to represent Tonga at the Olympic Games, having qualified for the kite-foiling event.
Rice tragically succumbed to a “suspected shallow water blackout” while free diving from a boat in Faleloa, Tonga, on Saturday.
Despite efforts to resuscitate him, his life could not be saved, as confirmed by his father Darren to the Matangi Tonga newspaper.
A heartfelt tribute was paid by Rice’s sister Lily on social media, commemorating his passion for kitefoiling and the friendships he made worldwide.
While born to British parents in the US, Rice considered himself proudly Tongan, having grown up in Haʻapai where his family operates a tourist lodge.
The young athlete earned his spot at the Olympic Games in December last year after finishing eighth at a Sail Sydney event.
Kite foil racing, described by ANOC, as a combination of various extreme sports, was set to showcase Rice’s talent on the Olympic stage.
