GRAPEVINE, TX — What began as a serene afternoon on the waters of Grapevine Lake turned into a heartbreaking tragedy that has stunned the local community and beyond. Ava Moore, a 31-year-old kayaker, was killed in a devastating collision involving a jet ski allegedly operated recklessly by Alejandra Glen, a Venezuelan woman who now faces serious criminal charges in connection with the incident.
The accident occurred on a sunny weekend afternoon, when dozens of people were enjoying the popular lake that straddles the cities of Grapevine and Flower Mound in North Texas. Ava, known to be an experienced kayaker and nature enthusiast, had gone out to enjoy the calm water. According to initial reports from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, a jet ski traveling at high speed struck Ava’s kayak, throwing her into the water and causing fatal injuries.
First responders were called to the scene immediately after bystanders saw the collision and rushed to help. Despite efforts to save her, Ava was pronounced dead shortly after being pulled from the water. Her sudden death has sparked an outpouring of grief and outrage, particularly among the North Texas outdoor and recreational community.
Alejandra Glen, the operator of the jet ski, was identified as the individual responsible for the collision. Witnesses claimed she had been operating the watercraft at excessive speeds and disregarding safety precautions. After an investigation, authorities arrested Glen and charged her with criminally negligent homicide. She is also facing possible civil liability, and the case may trigger broader discussions about water safety enforcement on Texas lakes.
The arrest has garnered national attention, partly due to Glen’s status as a foreign national. According to public records, she had been in the United States on a temporary visa. Her legal team has yet to comment publicly, but prosecutors have signaled that they will pursue the case vigorously. Bail was set, and she is expected to appear before a judge in the coming weeks.
Ava Moore’s family, devastated by the loss, has released a statement asking for privacy while they grieve. “Ava was a beautiful soul, full of life, love, and laughter. She cherished the outdoors and found joy on the water. Her life was stolen in a senseless moment of recklessness,” the statement read.
Friends and loved ones have described Ava as a kind, adventurous spirit who had a deep respect for nature and a passion for helping others. She was a regular volunteer at environmental clean-up events and worked in education, where she taught science and ecology to middle school students. “She lived her life with purpose and generosity,” one close friend shared. “It’s unbearable to think of her being taken like this.”
In the aftermath of Ava’s death, a growing number of lake users and safety advocates are calling for stricter regulations and increased patrol presence at Grapevine Lake. Some are advocating for mandatory safety courses for personal watercraft operators and greater penalties for reckless behavior on the water.
A memorial service for Ava Moore is being planned, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help her family with funeral expenses and legal advocacy. The campaign has already seen an outpouring of donations from friends, colleagues, and concerned citizens.
As legal proceedings move forward, the tragedy of Ava Moore’s death will likely remain a powerful reminder of the need for caution and responsibility in recreational spaces. Her memory will live on in the lives she touched—and in the hope that meaningful change may come to prevent such needless loss in the future