Teen athlete's tragic death just weeks before Paris Games
A young Olympic hopeful has tragically died just weeks out from making his debut at the Paris Games.
Jackson James Rice, 18, was found dead after a diving accident in Faleloa, Tonga on Saturday from a “suspected shallow water blackout”.
The teenager had been set to become the first caucasian to represent Tonga at an Olympic Games, having qualified for the new kite-foiling event.
He had been free diving from a boat when the tragedy unfolded.
His body was found beneath the boat and despite several resuscitation attempts, he could not be revived.
Rice's heartbroken father confirmed the news of the teenager's death to the Matangi Tonga newspaper, as tributes flowed for the young athlete.
Rice’s sister Lily paid an emotional tribute to her brother on social media on Sunday, as she wrote on Facebook, “I was blessed with the most amazing brother in the whole world and it pains me to say that he’s passed away."
“He was an amazing kitefoiler and he would have made it to the Olympics and come out with a big shiny medal … he made so many amazing friends all over the world.”
Other friends paid tribute to the teenager on social media, with one writing, “I can’t begin to put into words what I’m feeling right now. I still cannot believe it, when I woke up to this news I thought you were playing around. You’re the most amazing friend anyone could ask for and anyone who has spent time with you would agree.”
Rice was originally born in the US but moved to Tonga at a young age with his British-born parents.
He grew up in Haʻapai, where his parents run a tourist lodge, and always viewed himself as Tongan.
The talented athlete qualified for what had been due to be his first Olympic Games last December, after placing eighth at a Sail Sydney event.
Image credits: Instagram