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An 18-year-old Air Force cadet candidate, tragically killed in a jet ski incident involving an undocumented immigrant, was honored during her military funeral on Saturday.
Ava Moore, just 18, was preparing to start her cadet training at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) soon. Sadly, she lost her life while kayaking on Lake Grapevine, Texas, during Memorial Day weekend.
According to The Dallas Morning News, Moore received full military honors at her burial.
Ava Moore’s official U.S. Air Force headshot. (United States Air Force via Instagram)
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According to the military’s official website, full military funeral honors are granted to individuals who pass away while on active duty, which includes Air Force Academy cadets.
These honors entail a minimum of a two-person military detail performing three key tasks: playing Taps, folding the flag, and presenting it to the deceased’s family.
“We lost an outstanding teammate this weekend – Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose leadership and commitment made a lasting impression on everyone,” stated Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, the U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent, following her death.
“Ava’s unwavering positivity helped her squadron tackle challenges at the Prep School, and her ambition was evident as she actively sought leadership roles to benefit herself and her team,” he added. “Our focus now is to support Ava’s family, her Prep School Squadron, the Prep School Women’s Basketball team, and the entire Academy family.”
Air Force Academy cadets salute during the national anthem at Falcon Stadium during their graduation ceremony on May 25, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)
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Moore graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School on May 19, 2025, and was about to join the USAFA Class of 2029.
While kayaking on the lake over Memorial Day weekend, she was struck by a jet ski.
The suspected jet ski operator, along with a man who allegedly assisted her in escaping, both undocumented immigrants from Venezuela, were arrested in Dallas the following Tuesday. Reports indicate the pair had suitcases packed at the time of their arrest.
Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez-Gonzalez, 22, faces a charge of second-degree manslaughter, a felony.
Mugshots of Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez-Gonzalez and Maikel Coello Perozo (Texas Parks and Wildlife)
Maikel Coello Perozo, 21, is accused of picking up Gonzalez-Gonzalez and fleeing the scene. Authorities allege he crashed into another vehicle while speeding away, resulting in charges of damage to property and hindering apprehension, both misdemeanors.
As of Tuesday, Gonzalez-Gonzalez remains in Tarrant County Jail with a $500,000 bond, while Perozo’s bail is set at $3,250.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed detainers on both individuals, meaning they will be deported after their criminal cases have concluded.
