Wellington, New Zealand AP —United States-born kitefoiler J.J. Rice, who was to represent Tonga at the Paris Olympics, has died in a diving accident. Rice’s father, Darren Rice, confirmed his son’s death Monday to the Matangi Tonga newspaper. Jackson James Rice was set to become the first Caucasian to represent Tonga at an Olympic Games. He was free diving from a boat when he suffered a suspected shallow water blackout, Matangi Tonga reported. “He was an amazing kitefoiler and he would have made it to the Olympics and come out with a big shiny medal.

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Persons: kitefoiler J.J, Rice, Rice’s, Darren Rice, Jackson James Rice, “, he’s, ”, Lily, ” Rice Organizations: New Zealand AP — United, Paris Olympics, Matangi, Olympic Games, Sail Locations: Wellington, New Zealand, New Zealand AP — United States, Tonga, Matangi Tonga, Faleloa, Ha’apai, British, Paris, Europe