18-year-old kite foiler J.J. Rice, who qualified to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, tragically died in a diving accident, leaving behind an impressive legacy in kite foiling, a discipline newly introduced in the prestigious multi-sport event.
J.J., who was to represent Tonga at the Paris Olympics, succumbed to an accident while free-diving at Faleloa, Ha’apai, on Saturday (June 15).
The promising athlete was free diving from a boat on Saturday when he died from a suspected shallow water blackout, his father, Darren Rice, said, Matangi Tonga reported on Monday (June 17).
