GRAPEVINE, TEXAS – May 29, 2025-A fatal jet ski hit-and-run incident at Grapevine Lake that claimed the life of 18-year-old Ava Moore has ignited a fierce political debate over immigration enforcement and border security in Texas. Moore, a bright and driven young woman recently accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy, was killed in what authorities are calling a preventable tragedy involving two Venezuelan nationals living in the United States illegally.
The Incident
The collision occurred over Memorial Day weekend, a typically festive time at Grapevine Lake, which turned into a scene of devastation. Witnesses reported that Moore was struck by a jet ski operated recklessly and then left injured in the water. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but Ava succumbed to her injuries.
Following an intensive search and investigation, the suspects were identified as 21-year-old Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez and Maikel Coello Perozo. Both individuals fled the scene but were later located and taken into custody. Authorities confirmed that the two Venezuelan nationals are undocumented immigrants currently facing removal proceedings under federal immigration laws.
Legal Consequences and Immigration Proceedings
The suspects face multiple charges, including failure to stop and render aid and manslaughter. As the criminal case unfolds, immigration officials have also initiated removal procedures. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that both Gonzalez and Perozo were in the country illegally and had no legal status to remain in the United States.
Their arrests have triggered political outrage, with state officials citing the case as a tragic consequence of what they view as lax immigration enforcement.
Political Firestorm
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have publicly condemned the federal government’s immigration policies in response to the incident, placing blame on what they called a “broken system” that, in their view, allowed the suspects to remain in the country long enough to commit a fatal crime.
Governor Abbott released a statement calling Moore’s death “a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers Texans face due to unsecured borders,” adding that “Texas will not stand idly by while innocent lives are lost at the hands of illegal immigrants.” Paxton echoed similar sentiments, vowing to push for stronger state-level laws that would empower local law enforcement to act more aggressively on immigration issues.
Their remarks have intensified discussions at the Texas State Capitol, where Republican lawmakers are already drafting new legislation aimed at increasing penalties for undocumented immigrants involved in criminal acts, expanding local enforcement powers, and potentially requiring immigration status checks during criminal investigations.
Community Reaction and Mourning
In the midst of the political firestorm, the Grapevine community is grappling with the loss of a young life full of promise. Ava Moore was described by teachers and classmates as an intelligent, disciplined, and compassionate leader. Her acceptance into the Air Force Academy was a testament to her ambition and sense of service.
A memorial service held at her high school drew hundreds of mourners, including military recruiters, community members, and friends who remembered her as a “once-in-a-lifetime kind of person.” Vigils have been held at Grapevine Lake, with candles and flowers placed at the shoreline where the accident occurred.
“Ava had dreams bigger than Texas,” said one of her former teachers. “She wanted to serve her country, and she deserved to live that dream.”
A Broader Conversation
While the suspects await trial and potential deportation, Ava’s death has become a lightning rod for broader national conversations about immigration, public safety, and accountability. Advocacy groups are split in response—some condemning the politicization of the tragedy, others supporting a more stringent approach to undocumented immigration.
Immigration experts warn against broad generalizations, cautioning that high-profile cases like these, while tragic, are not statistically reflective of immigrant crime rates. Civil rights organizations have called for a focus on facts, transparency, and justice for Ava, without turning the tragedy into a political weapon.
What Comes Next
As Texas prepares for its next legislative session, Moore’s death will likely play a central role in immigration reform debates. Meanwhile, her family has asked for privacy and peace, stating that Ava’s life should be remembered not for how it ended, but for the extraordinary young woman she was.
A GoFundMe page created to honor her memory and support military scholarships has already raised tens of thousands of dollars, with messages from across the country pouring in.
In a statement from the Moore family:
“We are heartbroken, and nothing will ever fill the void Ava leaves behind. She was ready to serve her country, and we hope her memory inspires real change—for safer communities, for better laws, and for justice.”
