Tongan kitefoiler dies in diving accident before Olympic debut

Tongan kitefoiler Jeakson James Rice, who had been selected for the Paris Olympic Games, has died in a diving accident, Matangi Tonga reported today.

The 18-year-old died near Ha’apai on Saturday. His body was found by other divers and attempts to resuscitate him failed, the newspaper reported.

Rice was born in the United States to British parents, grew up in Ha’apai and became a naturalized Tongan citizen. He represented Tonga in several major sailing competitions, including the Formula Kite World Championships and the World Sailing Championships.

“I am blessed with the greatest brother in the world,” his sister Lily wrote on Facebook. “He was an incredible kitefoiler and would have made it to the Olympics and won a big shiny medal.”