Suddenly unconscious

Olympic hopeful (18) dies in diving accident!

Jackson James Rice was only 18 years old.(Bild: Instagram/jj__rice)

Kitesurfer Jackson James Rice, who qualified for the Olympic Games, is dead. The 18-year-old from Tonga died in a diving accident last Saturday. 

This was confirmed by his father Darren Rice to the news site Matangi Tonga, while his sister Lily Rice made a Facebook post to the public.

The cause of death is believed to be sudden unconsciousness due to a lack of oxygen to the brain. Rice was discovered by other divers on the seabed beneath his boat.

All attempts to resuscitate him failed. Born in the USA, he would have represented Tonga in the foil race competitions held in Marseille.