The beginning of the summer in Florida, which was supposed to bring all the fun the season usually promises, brought a tragedy for one family instead.
Jordan Roe, an 11-year-old girl known for her kindness, dubbed “the protector” of her family, proved once again why she deserved that nickname. But sadly, this time, it cost her her life.
It was June 24, 2025, when Jordan and her cousins—8-year-old Laila and 9-year-old Brylee—set out for a day of fun at Star Lake, which sits along the Putnam–Alachua county border in Florida.
The kids spent the day splashing in the water, tubing behind a Sea-Doo jet ski, and enjoying the Florida sunshine during a family barbecue. Nothing spoke trouble that day,but then the unimaginable happened.
Jordan Roe and her cousins were tubing behind the jet ski when an accident happened — the watercraft suddenly veered out of control and struck a dock, throwing them violently into the water.
The accident unfolded in a matter of seconds, leaving witnesses in shock and loved ones struggling to comprehend what had just happened.
In the midst of the confusion that followed, it took time for authorities to sort through the chaos, identify the children involved, and officially confirm the facts.
Initially, they identified one of the girls killed as Laila, but in fact, it was Jordan, the fierce protector of her younger cousins, a bright light within her family, and a child with her whole future ahead, who lost her life that day.
Laila was also critically injured and transferred to the hospital where she had undergone several surgeries, while Brylee only suffered minor injuries.
According to the family, Laila survived the accident because Jordan made a split-second decision to place herself in the harm’s way in order to protect her cousins.
“Jordan sacrificed her life, and she saved her cousin’s life with her life,” Jordan’s grieving aunt said. “That’s who she was. She always made sure others were safe first. She was the protector of our family.”
At the time the tragedy struck, Kristine Robinson, the mom of Laila and Brylee, was home in Tampa where she cared for her newborn in a NICU. When she received the call that her daughter was critically injured and her niece died, her world shattered.
She is now trying to raise awareness about water safety. “I just ask everyone, hold your babies tight,” she said during a tearful interview. “We all want to have fun with our kids, but please—please be careful. Accidents happen in a blink.”
The tragedy that claimed Jordan’s life is still under investigation, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission asking witnesses to come forward with any information and provide footage in case someone filmed it, in order to understand what actually happened and what preceded the incident.
Jordan’s family shared that she had always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. She was kind, had big dreams, and even bigger heart full of love to match.
But Jordan’s selflessness didn’t stop with her passing.
Even after her death, she helped others and saved even more lives through organ donation. In fact, donating her organs was something this incredibly loving girl had always wanted. “She gave the gift of life even after her passing,” Robinson shared. “That was our Jordan. Always thinking of others, always giving.”
Friends of the family launched two GoFundMe fundraisers to help the family with Jordan’s funeral costs and Laila’s ongoing medical expenses.
The public’s response to Jordan’s story has been overwhelming, with messages of support and donations pouring in from across the country.
Even longtime Star Lake residents are shaken, among which Steven Gabbard who has lived on Star Lake for decades. “Oh my gosh. It’s unbelievable. Star Lake is usually so peaceful. You don’t expect this kind of tragedy here,” he said.
Jordan’s legacy lives on, through her cousin’s healing and through the lives she saved with her organs her family selflessly donated.
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