Top Olympian dead at just 18 - just weeks before he was due to compete at Paris games
ok.co.ukJackson James Rice has tragically died in a diving accident aged 18, just weeks before being due to compete at the Paris Olympics.
The teenager was poised to make history as the first Caucasian to represent Tonga at an Olympic Games, having qualified for the new kite-foiling event.The unfortunate incident occurred in Faleloa, Tonga on Saturday, with Jackson dying from a "suspected shallow water blackout".
He had been free diving from a boat when the tragic incident took place. His body was discovered beneath the boat at 12:15pm, with subsequent attempts to resuscitate him proving unsuccessful, his father Darren confirmed to the Matangi Tonga newspaper.
An emotional tribute was paid by Jackson's sister Lily on social media on Sunday. She posted on Facebook: "I was blessed with the most amazing brother in the whole world and it pains me to say that he's passed away.
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