Illegal immigrant accused of killing Air Force cadet candidate given full military funeral in their honor

The military branch paid tribute to the 18-year-old Air Force cadet candidate who died in a jet ski accident, allegedly caused by an illegal immigrant, during her funeral on Saturday.

Ava Moore, who was about to start cadet training at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), lost her life while kayaking on Lake Grapevine in Texas during Memorial Day weekend.

Moore was laid to rest with full military honors, according to The Dallas Morning News.

Ava Moore’s official U.S. Air Force headshot.  (United States Air Force via Instagram)

Moore graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School on May 19, 2025. She was set to become a part of the USAFA Class of 2029. 

Moore was hit by a jet ski while kayaking on the lake over Memorial Day weekend.

The individual thought to be driving the jet ski and another person accused of aiding in her escape, both illegal immigrants from Venezuela, were apprehended in Dallas last Tuesday. According to reports, they were found with their bags packed at the time of arrest.

Daikerlyn Alejandraa Gonzalez-Gonzalez, 22, was charged with second-degree manslaughter, a felony.

Mughots of Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez and Maikel Coello Perozo (Texas Parks and Wildlife)

Maikel Coello Perozo, 21, is accused of picking her up and driving away from the scene. Authorities allege Perozo hit another vehicle while speeding off. He has been charged with a collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension, both misdemeanors. 

Gonzalez-Gonzalez remains in the Tarrant County Jail on a $500,000 bond as of Tuesday. Perozo remains in the jail on a $3,250 bail. 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed detainers on both of them, meaning that when their criminal proceedings and punishments have concluded in the United States, they will be deported.