Tongan Olympic Kitefoiler J.J. Rice, 18, Dies in Diving Accident Weeks Before Paris 2024

Jun 17, 2024, 11:18 AM

J.J. Rice, an 18-year-old kitefoiler born in the United States but raised in Tonga, tragically died in a diving accident. Rice, also known as Jackson James Rice, was set to represent Tonga in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. His death, described as a freak accident, comes just weeks before he was expected to make history at the games. Rice's parents operate a tourist lodge in Tonga. The young athlete's untimely death has shocked the sports community and cast a shadow over the upcoming Olympics.