Jet Ski Driver Flees After Allegedly Killing 18-Year-Old Basketball Star in Texas on Memorial Day Weekend: Police

A teenager has died in Texas after being struck by a jet ski whose driver fled the scene.

Ava Moore, 18, was killed when a watercraft with two female occupants struck her as she was kayaking on Grapevine Lake on the evening of Sunday, May 25, Texas Game Wardens said in a news release shared on Facebook.

A female passenger remained to speak with first responders, while the operator of the jet ski allegedly fled the scene in a car with an adult man. The pair then struck a vehicle as they were leaving the area, per the news release. The Grapevine Police Department is investigating the automotive incident.

The suspect and the man allegedly abandoned the car at the Cobblestone apartments at Ruth Wall and Turner Road, local outlet WFAA reported. Meanwhile, Moore was pulled from the water by witnesses and died after being rushed to the hospital.

Lisa Scrabeck, a witness who helped to provide aid, told CBS News Texas that Moore had been wearing a life jacket, which was removed before CPR began.

“She didn’t suffer in agony,” Scrabeck said of Moore, per CBS News Texas. “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.”

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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.

Following her sudden death, Moore’s family is aiming to raise $20,000 toward her funeral costs, according to the GoFundMe. The fundraiser has so far raised over $11,500 as of the morning of May 27.

“We are grieving the loss of our daughter at this time. Our prayers are also with the young ladies involved along with their families,” Moore’s family said in a statement to WFAA.

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Texas Game Wardens are leading the water fatality investigation, while the Grapevine Police Department is investigating the related automotive hit-and-run incident, according to the news release.

They have released a photo of the woman accused of operating the jet ski, adding, “If anyone has information regarding either suspect, please contact [email protected].”

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

PEOPLE have contacted Texas Parks & Wildlife and the Grapevine Police Department for an update on the investigation.