Even though J.J. Rice was only 18, he was already preparing to compete for Tonga in only a few weeks. J.J., an American-born athlete, was scheduled to compete for Tonga in the kitefoiler event at the Olympics in Paris this summer. Regrettably, J.J.’s father has confirmed that he perished on June 15th in a diving accident. According to NBC News, J.J.’s father stated that the teenager was having a “shallow water blackout” while free diving from a boat near Faleloa.

The individuals with J.J. attempted but failed to resuscitate the diver. Kitefoiling has been officially recognized as an Olympic sport for the first time this year. Kite foilboarding is a form of kiteboarding in which the rider is pushed by a kite while the board hovers above the water rather than gliding on it. “I was blessed with the most amazing brother in the whole world, and it pains me to say that he’s passed away,” J.J.’s sister Lily wrote on Facebook.

“He was a brilliant kitefoiler who would have made it to the Olympics and returned with a large sparkling medal. He made so many wonderful friends all across the world. She went on to say that her brother excelled in whatever he did. “I don’t know what to say; I’m not sure what to do or think. I miss J.J. so much. I am still in shock; I can’t believe it, and it will take a long time for all of us who loved J.J. to feel normal again.

J.J. was the most amazing, witty, and unique person I’ve ever met, and I’m going to miss everything about him. He was extremely talented and excelled at everything he attempted.” J.J. was born to British parents in the United States. According to NBC, the family “operates a tourist lodge” in Ha’apai, where they grew up.