Jackson James Rice, a young athlete who would to make his Olympic debut this year, tragically lost his life in a diving accident, the Daily Mail has announced. At just 18, Rice was on the verge of making history as the first Caucasian athlete to represent Tonga at the Paris Games. The news was confirmed by his father to the Matangi Tonga newspaper, reports News.bg.
The incident took place on June 15 near the Faleloa settlement on the island of Haapai, part of the Tonga archipelago. Attempts to save the 18-year-old athlete were unsuccessful.
According to the newspaper, Rice was free-diving from a boat when he suffered an alleged blackout in shallow water.
Born in the United States to British parents, Rice spent his formative years in Haapai, where his family owned a tourist lodge. His connection to the island and his community ran deep, shaping him into the remarkable person and athlete that he was. Rice secured a spot at the upcoming Paris Olympics last December by finishing eighth at the Sail Sydney event. His involvement in kitesurfing – a sport making its Olympic debut – it was long overdue.
The untimely death of Jackson James Rice is a profound loss not only to his family and the Haapai community, but also to the world of sports.