Jackson James Rice dead at 18: Olympics star dies weeks before making history at Paris 2024 games

JACKSON JAMES RICE has tragically died in a diving accident aged 18 just weeks before being due to compete at the Paris Olympics.

The teenager had been set to become the first Caucasian to represent Tonga at an Olympic Games, having qualified for the new kite-foiling event.

Instagram @jj__riceJackson James Rice has tragically passed away[/caption] Instagram @jj__riceThe teenager had been set to make history in Paris[/caption]

Rice died in Faleloa, Tonga on Saturday from a “suspected shallow water blackout”.