- An athlete died a few weeks before making his debut in the Olympic Games.
- Jackson James Rice suffered a tragic diving accident
- I was supposed to compete in kite foiling in Paris
Jackson James Rice died in a tragic diving accident just weeks before his Olympic debut in Paris.
Rice, 18, was on track to become the first Caucasian athlete to represent Tonga at the Games in what would have been a historic first, but a freak accident denied him the award.
His father, Darren Rice, confirmed the devastating news of his son’s death to Matangi Tonga newspaper.
The young man’s death occurred on Saturday in Faleloa, located on the island of Ha’apai, in the Tonga archipelago.
According to Matangi Tonga, Rice was freediving from a boat when he suffered a suspected blackout in shallow water.
Kite-foiling star Jackson James Rice died just weeks before competing in Paris
The 18-year-old would represent Tonga at the Olympic Games next month.
Efforts to resuscitate the 18-year-old were unsuccessful.
In a Facebook post, his heartbroken sister Lily said: “I was blessed with the most incredible brother in the world and it pains me to say he has passed away.”
“He was an incredible kitefoiler and would have made it to the Olympics and walked away with a big shiny medal. He made so many amazing friends around the world.”
Tributes poured in on social media, with one friend writing: “I can’t even begin to put into words what I’m feeling right now.” I still can’t believe it, when I woke up with this news I thought you were playing.
“You are the most amazing friend anyone could ask for and anyone who has spent time with you would agree.”
Born in the United States to British parents, Rice grew up in Ha’apai, where his family runs a tourist lodge.
He earned his Olympic spot last December after finishing eighth in the Sail Sydney event. He was due to compete in kitesurfing in Paris, the first time the event has been held at a Games.