Grapevine, Texas — Community Grieves the Tragic Death of 18-Year-Old Ava Moore Following Hit-and-Run Jet Ski Collision on Lake
The city of Grapevine, Texas, is mourning the heartbreaking and untimely death of 18-year-old Ava Moore, who was tragically killed in a hit-and-run jet ski collision while kayaking on Grapevine Lake Sunday evening. The incident occurred near Oak Grove Park, a popular recreational spot, and has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond.
At approximately 5:20 p.m. on Sunday, the Grapevine Fire Department responded to an emergency call reporting a boating accident on the lake. First responders arrived at the scene to find Ava Moore had suffered significant trauma after being struck by a jet ski while kayaking. Bystanders on the lake, including local visitor Lisa Scrabeck, witnessed the chaos and rushed to help.
“Once she came out of the water, I had them lay her down and started helping at that point,” Scrabeck recounted. “Started life-saving measures to help the young girl.”
Despite the immediate efforts of both bystanders and paramedics, Ava was transported in critical condition to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Grapevine, where she was later pronounced dead.
According to the Grapevine Police Department, two women were believed to have been riding the jet ski that struck Ava. In a deeply disturbing twist, one of the women and a male companion reportedly fled the scene after the crash. While attempting to escape, they are believed to have struck another vehicle before abandoning their own near the Cobblestone Apartments at Ruth Wall and Turner Road.
As of Memorial Day evening, authorities released an image of one of the women involved and continued to request the public’s help in identifying her. The second woman, however, remained at the scene and has been cooperating with the investigation. Police have yet to release her name or provide further details.
The Moore family, reeling from the sudden loss of their daughter, released a heartfelt statement through Ava’s father:
“We are grieving the loss of our daughter at this time. Our prayers are also with the young ladies involved, along with their families.”
The family also shared a poignant photo of Ava taken just days before the tragedy—on May 19—standing beside her brother after receiving her appointment during the United States Air Force Academy Prep Graduation. Ava had a bright future ahead of her, marked by commitment, character, and aspirations to serve her country.
Friends and loved ones describe Ava as intelligent, driven, and compassionate. Her death has devastated the tight-knit community of Grapevine and sparked outrage over the reckless behavior and lack of accountability that led to her passing.
Vigils are being planned in her honor, and online tributes continue to pour in, remembering a young woman full of potential who had just begun her journey into adulthood. The community is also rallying for justice, with many calling on authorities to swiftly apprehend the individuals responsible for fleeing the scene.
The Grapevine Police Department continues to investigate the incident and urges anyone with information to come forward.
Ava Moore’s life, filled with promise and purpose, was cut short in a senseless tragedy. As her loved ones mourn, they are also determined that her legacy of courage and compassion will not be forgotten.
