Olympic hopeful JJ Rice dies in diving accident at age 18
Jackson James “JJ” RiceHis family continues to mourn his death.
After the 18-year-old Kitefoiler died in a diving accident off the coast of Tonga on June 15, his sister lily rice He was one of many who shared tributes in JJ's honor.
“I am blessed to have the most amazing brother in the world,” she began on Facebook on June 16. “I miss JJ beyond belief. I'm in shock. I still can't believe it. It's going to take time for all of us who loved JJ for a long time to feel better again. JJ is one of the most amazing, fun and unique people I know. I'm going to miss everything about that person.”
She added that she hopes to one day join the Tongan Olympic team and compete in kite foil racing. “He was an amazing kite flyer and he will go to the Olympics and come out with a big, shiny medal and an even bigger smile. Do my best to use what he taught me to be just a little bit as amazing as he was.”
JJ participated in the Last Chance Reggata held in Hyères, France last May and attempted to qualify for the 2024 Olympics, but was unfortunately eliminated.