Olympian Jackson James Rice dies aged 18 – weeks before making history at Paris 2024

The teenager’s death was confirmed by his father, Declan Rice, in a statement to the Matangi Tonga newspaper. A remarkable kite foiler, Rice was set to become the first caucasian athlete to represent the island nation at the prestigious games, NBC5 adds.

This year’s games mark the first time Kite foiling will be an Olympic event.

Olympic hopeful JJ Rice sadly died at the age of 18. Credit: Instagram/jj__rice

The grieving father confirmed that Rice passed away following a diving accident. The young athlete was reportedly free-diving when he suffered a suspected shallow water blackout. Efforts to save the teenager at the scene were sadly unsuccessful.

Rice was set to compete in just a few weeks at the 2024 Paris Olympics Summer Games.

A tribute from Rice’s sister, Lily, was shared to Facebook, where she wrote: “I was blessed with the most amazing brother in the whole world and it pains me to say that he’s passed away.

“He was an amazing kite foiler and he would have made it to the Olympics and come out with a big shiny medal. He made so many amazing friends all over the world.”

Per the Daily Star, Rice was originally born in the United States to British parents. He spendt the majority of his life on the island of Ha’apai in Tonga’s archipelago after his parents – Declan and Nina – moved there to set up a tourist lodge.

Speaking about his love for the nation, he said: “I’ve lived in Tonga my whole life, I see myself as a Tongan, I don’t see myself as anything else.”

The teenager said he has always seen himself as a proud Tongan. Credit: Instagram/jj__rice

Back in December, he finished eighth at the Sail Sydney event in December to earn his Olympic place.

Dad Darren recalled to the Matangi Tonga newspaper how – when he was just 15 – his son bravely risked his life to save others after a ferryboat carrying 18 people capsized in heavy seas off Faleloa in 2021.

Rice’s final Instagram post has since been flooded with tributes from loved ones and fans. One person commented: “Keep on sailing, JJ! Now flying high in the sky. It was an honour to have met you and you’ll be greatly missed by many. Sending love and healing to Nina, Darren, and Lilly.”

A second touching tribute read: “Keep waving that kite on the other side of the veil! You will be terribly missed.”

And one friend wrote in a social media post: “I can’t begin to put into words what I’m feeling right now. I still cannot believe it, when I woke up to this news I thought you were playing around. You’re the most amazing friend anyone could ask for and anyone who has spent time with you would agree.”

Our thoughts go out to Rice’s family, friends, and loved ones at this time.