The serene waters of Grapevine Lake, a popular retreat for North Texas families, became the scene of a heartbreaking tragedy on Sunday, May 25, 2025, when 18-year-old Ava Renee Moore lost her life in a devastating jet ski collision. Moore, a recent high school graduate and standout basketball player from Fort Worth, was kayaking near Oak Grove Park around 5:20 p.m. when a personal watercraft carrying two women struck her vessel with catastrophic force. The impact left Moore with severe head trauma, and despite the desperate efforts of bystanders and first responders to save her, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Grapevine. The incident, which occurred during the bustling Memorial Day weekend, has left a grieving family, an outraged community, and authorities scrambling to bring those responsible to justice.
Moore, a Lantana resident and a 2024 graduate of Fort Worth Timber Creek High School, was weeks away from beginning basic training with the U.S. Air Force, where she had committed to play basketball. Described by loved ones as compassionate, adventurous, and full of promise, her sudden death has sent shockwaves through those who knew her. Her family, grappling with unimaginable loss, released a statement through her father, expressing their grief and extending prayers to the individuals involved in the incident and their families. The tragedy has not only robbed a young woman of her future but also cast a spotlight on the dangers lurking on Texas lakes during peak holiday seasons.
According to the Grapevine Police Department and Texas Game Wardens, the jet ski operator fled the scene with a male companion, leaving behind a passenger who remained and cooperated with authorities. The fleeing pair’s escape took a reckless turn when they collided with another vehicle while leaving Oak Grove Park, only to abandon their car at the Cobblestone apartments near Ruth Wall and Turner Road. This secondary hit-and-run has added complexity to an already intricate investigation, with Grapevine Police handling the automotive crash while Texas Game Wardens lead the probe into the fatal watercraft collision. Authorities have released a photograph of a woman believed to be the jet ski driver, described as wearing a bikini top, and are urging the public to provide any information that could lead to her identification. Tips can be sent to cidmail@grapevinetexas.gov, with officials emphasizing the urgency of locating both the operator and her male accomplice.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, particularly on social media, where users have pointed to an Instagram account under the handle @tublanquita1205, believed to belong to a woman named Alejandra Glen, as potentially linked to the suspect. The account has been inundated with comments demanding accountability, with some users noting specific details, such as matching tattoos and a bathing suit, that align with descriptions of the jet ski operator. While police have not officially confirmed the suspect’s identity, the online fervor underscores the community’s determination to see justice served. As of late Monday, the suspect remained at large, leaving authorities and Moore’s loved ones in a tense wait for answers.
This tragedy has reignited concerns about boating safety on Texas lakes, particularly during holiday weekends when waterways teem with activity. Witnesses at Grapevine Lake described a chaotic scene, with some attempting to detain individuals associated with the jet ski operator before their escape. The incident raises questions about the enforcement of boating regulations, including whether the jet ski was legally rented and if alcohol played a role—factors that remain under investigation. Texas lakes, while cherished for recreation, have seen a rise in accidents in recent years, prompting calls for stricter oversight and public awareness campaigns to prevent future tragedies.
Moore’s death has left an indelible mark on the North Texas community, with tributes pouring in for the young woman whose life was cut short. Her story serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of responsibility on the water. As the investigation continues, authorities are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or has video footage from the lake around 5:20 p.m. on Sunday to come forward. For now, a grieving family and a shaken community hold onto hope that those responsible will be held accountable, ensuring that Ava Moore’s memory is honored through justice and meaningful change.
