Olympic hopeful JJ Rice dies at the age of 18 in diving accident

The sports community mourns a tragic death.

Jackson James “JJ” Ricea US-born kitefoiler who competed professionally for Tonga died in a diving accident off the coast of Tonga, his father Darren Rice confirmed to local broadcaster Matangi Tonga Online. He was 18 years old.

JJ was freediving from a boat on June 15 when he died, presumably from a blackout in shallow water, his father told the news agency. His body was reportedly found by other divers on the sea floor beneath the boat and attempts to resuscitate him failed.

JJ was born in the USA and grew up in Ha’apai, an island group in Tonga, where his father and mother Nina Rice Owner of Matafonua Island Lodge. As a Tongan citizen, JJ has represented the country at international kite foiling events over the years and had hoped to make his Olympic debut representing Tonga at the 2024 Paris Games.

After his death, JJ’s sister Lily rice shared a few words about her brother on social media.