Following the news that Olympic star Jackson James “JJ” Rice has passed away at the age of 18, tributes have poured in for the talented young athlete.
As previously reported, news of JJ Rice’s tragic death was confirmed by his family on Monday (June 17).
Speaking to the Matangi Tonga newspaper, grieving father Declan Rice revealed that his son had died following a diving accident.
The young athlete was reportedly free diving when he suffered a suspected shallow water blackout. Efforts to save the teenager at the scene were sadly unsuccessful.
The teen’s sister, Lily, also took to Facebook to pay tribute, writing in a post: “I was blessed with the most amazing brother in the whole world and it pains me to say that he’s passed away.
“He was an amazing kite foiler and he would have made it to the Olympics and come out with a big shiny medal. He made so many amazing friends all over the world.”
A world-class kite foiler, Rice was set to become the first caucasian athlete to represent the island nation of Tonga at the prestigious games in Paris over the summer, NBC5 reports.
This year’s games mark the first time Kite foiling will be an Olympic event.
JJ qualified for the 2024 Olympics after finishing eighth at the Sail Sydney event in December.
However, news of Rice’s death had led to an outpouring of tributes on the teenager’s final Instagram post.
One person commented: “Keep on sailing, JJ! Now flying high in the sky. It was an honour to have met you and you’ll be greatly missed by many. Sending love and healing to [mom] Nina, Darren and Lilly.”
“Rest in peace young champion,” added another supporter of the teen.
Another tribute read: “Keep waving that kite on the other side of the veil! You will be terribly missed.”
“Rest easy young champion. I was keen to see you represent the Red and White, it was great following you and your journey. You will be missed,” commented one fan.
A friend of Rice’s also wrote on social media: “I can’t begin to put into words what I’m feeling right now. I still cannot believe it, when I woke up to this news I thought you were playing around.
“You’re the most amazing friend anyone could ask for and anyone who has spent time with you would agree.”
Per the Daily Star, Rice was originally born in the United States to British parents. He spendt the majority of his life on the island of Ha’apai in Tonga’s archipelago after his parents – Declan and Nina – moved there to set up a tourist lodge.
Speaking about his love for the nation, he once said: “I’ve lived in Tonga my whole life, I see myself as a Tongan, I don’t see myself as anything else.”
Our thoughts continue to go out to Rice’s family, friends, and loved ones at this time.
