Jackson James Rice, 18, has tragically died just weeks before the Olympics.
Rice had been set to compete for Tonga in Paris – and he would have become the first caucasian athlete to represent the island nation. Rice had been selected to compete in the French capital.
However, his father, Darren Rice, has confirmed the devastating news of his son’s death to the Matangi Tonga newspaper. He revealed Rice had’s death occurred on Saturday (June 15) at Faleloa – on the island of Ha’apai in Tonga’s archipelago.
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According to the newspaper, Rice was free diving when he suffered a suspected shallow water blackout. And efforts to revive the 18-year-old at the scene were unsuccessful.
Rice’s sister, Lily, said 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.
(Image: jj__rice/Instagram)
“He was an amazing kite foiler 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.”
Rice was born in the USA to British parents, but he grew up on the island of Ha’apai after his family moved there to run a tourist lodge.
He earned his Olympic place last December after finishing eighth at the Sail Sydney event. Kite foiling is set to make it’s Olympic debut in Paris this summer.
(Image: jj__rice/Instagram)
Tributes poured in for Rice on social media: “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.”