United States-born kitefoiler J.J. Rice, who was going to represent Tonga at the Paris Olympics, sadly passed away in a diving accident at the age of 18.
Rice’s father Darren Rice confirmed his son’s passing to the Matangi Tonga newspaper.
Jackson James Rice was set to be the first Caucasian to represent Tonga at the Olympics. The accident occurred while he was free diving from a boat in Faleloa, on the island of Ha’apai in Tonga. Despite efforts to revive him, he did not survive.
Rice’s sister Lily expressed her sorrow in a Facebook post, calling him an amazing kitefoiler who had many friends around the world. Rice had recently returned to Tonga after competing in the 2024 Formula Kite World Championships in France.
Although Rice was born in the United States to British-born parents, he grew up in Ha’apai, where his parents run a tourist lodge. He considered himself Tongan and was proud of his heritage.
Rice often shared videos of his training in Tonga on his Instagram account, thanking everyone who supported and mentored him.
He earned his spot in the Olympics by finishing eighth at the Sail Sydney event in December. Kitefoiling was set to make its Olympic debut in Paris.
Kitefoiling involves racing on boards lifted off the water on foils and can reach speeds exceeding 30 mph.