A 19-year-old man has been killed after losing control of a jet ski and crashing into a tree.
Daegen Vaughn, 19, from Summerville Georgia, US, was riding a jet ski on Weiss Lake in Alabama on Saturday night at around 10.30pm with his friend Mason Sterner, 22, when their 2021 Yamaha WaveRunner veered onto land and crashed into a tree.
The teenager, who was driving the jet ski, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene with his friend Mason Sterner, 22, rushed to hospital with injuries.
Mr Vaughan, who was a recent graduate of Trion High School in Georgia, was described as "such a fine young man" by his school.
The teenager was a "star" wrestler and football player who won more than 100 matches during his wrestling career, which made him a state-wide "standout".
In addition, his team in 2019 came second at the state championships.
Chattooga Indian Football, a neighbouring team, posted a tribute to Daegen on Facebook.
It said: "Lost a member of the 2021 football and wrestling teams. Daegen was such a fine young man.
"He was a team player who did whatever was asked of him and he always supported his teammates!!! Proud to have had the opportunity to coach Dago."
Rhonda Williams, one of the teenager's teachers, said he helped her have "one of my all time favourite school years" when he was in her English class.
She wrote: "I am so saddened by this loss but so happy for the memories I have of this precious young man."
Taylen Vaughn, Daregh's heartbroken mum, paid tribute to her son as she posted a picture of her son which was taken just hours before the tragic accident.
She wrote: "If I could go back I would hold you tight and never would (have) let you go. I love you so much baby boy. My life will never be the same without you in it."
The crash is currently being investigated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
The tragic accident comes after a dad was killed while trying to help a family of ducks cross a busy road in Rocklin, California.
The man, who has not been named, herded them over safely only to be knocked down and killed seconds later on Stanford Ranch Road and Park Drive in the city of Rocklin, about 22 miles from Sacramento, on Thursday night.
A 12-year-old witness spotted the touching moment the father, who died at the scene, successfully herded the ducks away from danger.
“He got out of the car and was shooing the ducks and everyone was clapping because he was being really nice," William Wimsatt told 3KCRA.
