Olympic Hopeful J.J. Rice Dead at 18 in Diving Accident

The athletic community is mourning a tragic passing. 

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

J.J. was free diving from a boat on June 15 when he died from a suspected shallow water blackout, his father told the outlet. His body was reportedly found on the seafloor underneath the boat by other divers and attempts to resuscitate him failed. 

Born in the United States, J.J. grew up in Ha’apai, a group of islands in Tonga where his father and mother Nina Rice own the Matafonua Island Lodge. As a Tongan citizen, J.J. represented the country in kite foiling at international events over the years, and had been hoping to make his Olympic debut representing Tonga at the 2024 Paris Games.

Following his passing, J.J.’s sister Lily Rice shared a few words about her brother on social media.