Teen kitefoiler JJ Rice tragically dies before historic Olympic debut
- 18-year-old kitefoiler JJ Rice tragically died in a diving accident weeks before his anticipated Olympic debut.
- JJ Rice was set to make history by becoming the first Caucasian to represent Tonga at the Olympics.
- His unexpected death has left the sports community in shock and mourning.
Jackson James Rice, an 18-year-old kitefoiler set to represent Tonga at the Paris Olympics, tragically passed away in a diving accident. Known as JJ, he was born in the U.S. but grew up in Tonga. His sister Lily mourned his loss on Facebook, praising him as an incredible brother. Rice excelled in kitefoiling, earning a spot in the Summer Olympics after finishing eighth in a competition in Australia. Tongan athlete Pita Taufatofua remembered Rice as a self-taught talent with a deep respect for the sea and his community. Rice's death, suspected to be from a shallow water blackout while free diving, shocked the sports world. He was poised to make history as the first Caucasian to represent Tonga at the Olympics. His family and friends remember him as a talented athlete with a bright future ahead.