A Peaceful Evening Turns Tragic: 18-Year-Old Ava Moore Killed in Hit-and-Run on Lake Grapevine
What began as a serene evening on the water ended in heartbreak when a hit-and-run involving a personal watercraft claimed the life of 18-year-old Ava Moore. Just days after completing a military preparatory program, Ava was kayaking on Lake Grapevine on the evening of May 25, 2025, when the fatal incident occurred. Now, authorities are urgently searching for those responsible.
According to an initial report from the Grapevine Police Department, a personal watercraft (PWC) carrying two women struck Ava Moore’s kayak on the evening of May 25. In the aftermath of the collision, one of the women—the passenger—remained at the scene and cooperated with first responders, while the operator reportedly fled, prompting an active investigation.
The second woman, believed to be the operator of the personal watercraft, fled the scene and was later seen accompanied by a male individual. According to a joint media advisory from the Texas Game Wardens and the Grapevine Police Department, the pair is suspected of striking another vehicle while attempting to escape.
Authorities later located their vehicle abandoned near the Cobblestone Apartments at the intersection of Ruth Wall and Turner Road, as reported by WFAA.
Meanwhile, Ava Moore was rushed to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Grapevine, where she was tragically pronounced dead. Just six days earlier, she had returned home to Texas after completing her first year of training at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs. On May 19, she proudly celebrated this milestone, having also accepted her appointment to join the U.S. Air Force Academy as a member of the Class of 2029—a future full of promise that was heartbreakingly cut short.
In a determined effort to locate those responsible, the Grapevine Police Department released a photo of the suspected personal watercraft operator the day after the incident, urging the public to come forward with any information. By May 27, authorities had identified the operator as 21-year-old Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, who was subsequently taken into custody. Investigators later confirmed the identity of her male companion as 21-year-old Maikel Coello Perozo.
At this time, it remains unclear whether Maikel Coello Perozo has been taken into custody. However, police have released mugshots of both Gonzalez and Perozo to the media. In a public advisory, the department urged anyone with information to come forward, stating: “If anyone has information regarding either suspect, please contact Grapevine Police detectives at cidmail@grapevinetexas.gov.”
As the investigation continued, a firsthand account from a witness at the scene offered a clearer picture of the tragic moments following the collision. Lisa Scrabeck, who was visiting the lake with her son, witnessed Ava Moore being pulled to shore and didn’t hesitate to step in. Speaking with CBS News Texas, Scrabeck recalled rushing to help.
“Once she came out of the water, I had them lay her down and started helping at that point,” she told WFAA, describing the desperate efforts to save Ava’s life.
Scrabeck also confirmed that Ava Moore had been wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident, which was removed before CPR was administered. Earlier that day, she had noticed the women on the personal watercraft driving recklessly around the lake—behavior that, in hindsight, raised serious concerns.
Despite the horrific circumstances, Scrabeck shared that Ava did not appear to suffer in the moments following the collision. She extended heartfelt condolences to Ava’s family, saying she could not imagine the depth of pain her parents must be enduring.
Ava’s father later addressed the tragedy with grace and compassion:
“We are grieving the loss of our daughter at this time… Our prayers are also with the young ladies involved, along with their families.”
As news of Ava Moore’s tragic passing spread, an outpouring of love and support flooded in from friends, family, and members of the community. A GoFundMe campaign launched to help cover funeral expenses described Ava as “an outstanding student and athlete,” noting that she was a proud 2024 graduate of Timber Creek High School.
Among those mourning her loss was her best friend, Eva Love, who spoke through tears about the irreplaceable void Ava’s death has left behind.
“She was gonna be a four-star general—she was going to serve her country,” Love said. “She loved her country. She wanted us to serve.”
Love continued to reflect on the emotional weight of Ava’s loss, struggling to put her grief into words:
“You took someone who was so kind and loving—someone who always made sure everyone around her was taken care of,” she said. “She was one of our best friends. I don’t even know how to explain her. She was just… Ava.”
Tributes to Ava Moore also came from the U.S. Air Force Academy, where she had recently completed her first year at the Preparatory School. On the Academy’s official Facebook page, Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind honored her memory, describing Ava as an exceptional and inspiring cadet candidate whose dedication to leadership and service left a lasting impression.
“Ava’s constant happiness and attitude helped her squadron get through the challenges of the Prep School,” Bauernfeind shared. “Her drive to excel was on display as she sought out leadership positions to improve herself and her team.”
Tragic Loss on Lake Grapevine: 18-Year-Old Ava Moore Killed in Hit-and-Run Boating Accident
A promising young cadet, just days home from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, loses her life in a senseless act that has left a community grieving and searching for justice.
A peaceful evening on Lake Grapevine turned tragic on May 25, 2025, when a hit-and-run collision involving a personal watercraft (PWC) claimed the life of 18-year-old Ava Moore. The young woman, a recent graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, was kayaking when she was struck by a PWC carrying two individuals.
According to the Grapevine Police Department, the crash occurred in the evening hours, and while one of the women on the watercraft—the passenger—remained at the scene and spoke with first responders, the suspected operator fled. She was later seen joined by a male companion.
Authorities believe the pair struck another vehicle while attempting to escape. Their car was later found abandoned near the Cobblestone Apartments at Ruth Wall and Turner Road, as reported by WFAA.
Ava was transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Grapevine, where she was pronounced dead. Her death came just six days after returning home from Colorado Springs, having completed her first year of training at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School on May 19. Ava had also proudly accepted an appointment to join the U.S. Air Force Academy as a member of the Class of 2029.
In the days following the incident, the Grapevine Police Department released a photo of the suspected PWC operator, asking the public for help identifying her. By May 27, authorities had taken 21-year-old Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez into custody. Her male companion was identified as 21-year-old Maikel Coello Perozo. Police later released mugshots of both individuals, though it remains unclear whether Perozo has been arrested.
Officials continue to urge anyone with information to contact Grapevine Police detectives at cidmail@grapevinetexas.gov.