2 Arrested in Connection with Death of 18-Year-Old Kayaker in Texas Jet Ski Hit-and-Run on Memorial Day Weekend

Two people have been arrested after a teenage kayaker died in Texas over Memorial Day weekend after being struck by a jet ski whose driver allegedly fled the scene.

In a Tuesday, May 27 press release, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez and an unnamed male, both reportedly in the U.S. illegally, had been arrested following the death of Ava Moore, 18, on the evening of May 25 at Lake Grapevine in Tarrant County.

Gonzalez, from Venezuela, is suspected of striking and killing Moore, while the man arrested is suspected of helping her “flee the scene of the crime,” per the release.

After leaving the scene, the pair allegedly subsequently committed “a hit-and-run after striking another vehicle,” the press release continued.

“My heart breaks for Ava’s family and friends, and my prayers are with them as they face this tragedy,” Attorney General Paxton said, per the release. 

“My office will continue to work with local, state, and national law enforcement partners to secure justice for Ava,” he added.

The Texas Game Wardens also announced Gonzalez’s arrest, sharing a photo of the suspect on Facebook on Tuesday. 

“We are thankful for the help of fellow law enforcement officers from the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Dallas Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations,” they wrote.

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In a May 26 news release shared on Facebook, the Texas Game Wardens said Moore had died in the jet ski hit-and-run. A female passenger remained to speak with first responders following the incident, per the release, while “the operator fled with an adult male.”

“Our thoughts are with Ava’s family and friends during this difficult time. Texas Game Wardens remain committed to keeping our public waters safe,” they said in the release.

Moore had “just returned from Colorado Springs after finishing her 1st year at the Air Force Preparatory School,” according to a GoFundMe page. She had previously been an “outstanding student and athlete” at Timber Creek High School.

The basketball player helped the Lady Falcons to a 71-51 mark across four years, including a 24-10 record in 2022 during her sophomore year and a 17-14 mark during her senior season, Sports Illustrated reported.

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“As The Moore family is grieving the sudden loss of their beautiful daughter/sister, we would like to ask for the communities help in easing the burden of funeral costs for this family. All money will go directly to the family. Thank you so much for helping,” the GoFundMe stated.

The page had raised over $31,000 as of Wednesday, May 28.

Texas Parks & Wildlife, the Grapevine Police Department and the Attorney General’s office did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.