In a tragic turn of events, two undocumented immigrants have been apprehended following the hit-and-run that claimed the life of 18-year-old Ava Moore, an aspiring cadet of the United States Air Force Academy, set to commence her basic training this upcoming June.
Moore was fatally struck while kayaking on Sunday when a 21-year-old undocumented individual operated a jet ski directly into her and subsequently fled the scene.
Authorities have reported that the two suspects entered the United States illegally in 2023 and 2024.
Details regarding the suspects, including their mugshots, were shared by journalist Bill Melugin:
According to police reports, Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, 21, collided with Moore using her jet ski, then attempted to escape in a vehicle with another undocumented individual, 21-year-old Maikel Coello Perozo, during which they crashed into another car.
Both have been arrested by Texas authorities, with a press conference scheduled for tomorrow morning featuring Texas Game Wardens, Grapevine Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.
NEW: Mugshot released for the Venezuelan illegal alien charged in the fatal jet ski hit and run of 18-year-old US Air Force Cadet Candidate Ava Moore in Texas on Sunday. Police say 21-year-old Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez struck Moore with her jet ski, then fled the… pic.twitter.com/gjlkJ5XXrz
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) May 28, 2025
Moore had recently completed her preparatory education and was poised to join the US Air Force Academy’s class of 2029 after her graduation from the preparatory school on May 19.
According to NBC DFW:
After dedicating 10 months at the US Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, Moore graduated on May 19 and accepted an appointment to the US Air Force Academy as a member of the Class of 2029.
“We lost an exemplary teammate this weekend – Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met. Ava’s constant happiness and attitude helped her squadron navigate the challenges of the Prep School, and her drive to excel was evident as she pursued leadership roles to better herself and her team,” expressed Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, U.S. Air Force Academy superintendent. “Our focus now is on providing support to Ava’s family, her Prep School Squadron, the Prep School Women’s Basketball team, and the entire Academy community.”
Moore was also a talented basketball player, cherished by her teammates and coaches, who are now left in mourning and disbelief.
Texas officials conducted a news conference at 9:30 AM to provide additional insights into the incident.
