It was the beginning of summer in Florida—a time usually marked by sunshine, family gatherings, and laughter echoing over lakes and backyards. But for one family, June 24, 2025, would become a day they would never forget—a day when joy turned into heartbreak, and a young girl’s selfless bravery would change their lives forever.
Eleven-year-old Jordan Roe was known by those around her as a child with an extraordinary heart—full of kindness, empathy, and a natural instinct to protect the people she loved. Her family often called her “the protector,” a nickname that perfectly captured her personality. Whether it was looking out for her younger cousins, helping around the house, or speaking up for someone at school, Jordan was always putting others before herself.
about:blank
On that tragic Tuesday afternoon, Jordan, her 8-year-old cousin Laila, and 9-year-old Brylee were enjoying a fun-filled day on Star Lake, which lies along the border of Putnam and Alachua Counties in Florida. The children had spent the day playing in the water, tubing behind a Sea-Doo jet ski, and soaking in the warmth of the Florida sun during a family barbecue. What was supposed to be a carefree day of childhood fun ended in unimaginable tragedy.
While being pulled on the tube behind the jet ski, the watercraft suddenly lost control and crashed into a dock. The violent impact threw all three children off the tube and into the lake. The accident happened so quickly, and in the confusion that followed, it took some time for authorities to identify the victims and confirm the details. Early reports even mistakenly claimed that Laila had passed away. But in reality, it was Jordan—the brave protector of her family—who died that day.
While Brylee escaped with only minor injuries, Laila was critically hurt, suffering from life-threatening trauma that required emergency medical attention. She was rushed to the hospital and has since undergone multiple surgeries to repair the damage. According to her family, the only reason Laila is alive today is because of Jordan’s final, heroic act—placing herself in harm’s way to shield her cousin from the worst of the impact.
“Jordan sacrificed her life, and she saved her cousin’s life with her life,” said her grieving aunt. “That’s who she was. She always made sure others were safe first. She was the protector of our family.”
At the time of the accident, Kristine Robinson—mother of Laila and Brylee—was hours away in Tampa, where she was caring for her newborn in a NICU. She received the phone call no parent ever wants to get. The news shattered her world in an instant. One child clinging to life in intensive care, and another—her niece—gone forever.
Now, Kristine is speaking out to raise awareness about water safety and the importance of holding loved ones close. “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.”
Despite her injuries, Laila is fighting hard in the pediatric ICU. Her recovery is expected to be long and difficult, but her family says she’s strong—and she’s fighting for her mom, her baby brother, and most of all, for Jordan, the cousin who gave her a second chance at life. The two girls shared a deep bond, and even though Jordan is no longer physically present, her spirit lives on in Laila’s fight and in the love she left behind.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is currently investigating the incident, asking for any eyewitness accounts or video footage that could help clarify what happened in those final moments before the crash.
Meanwhile, tributes have poured in from all over the country for Jordan Roe, whose impact went far beyond her immediate family. She loved animals, had dreams of becoming a veterinarian, and was the kind of child who would always notice if someone was left out or in need. According to those closest to her, she never let a day pass without trying to help someone—even if it was just through a kind word or a small act of kindness.
Her aunt shared that Jordan used to wake up each day and look at her hands, checking to see if they were steady enough to one day become a vet and help heal animals. She had dreams, big dreams, and a heart full of love to match. She was described on a GoFundMe page as “a free spirit, compassionate, full of energy, and full of love.”
And even in death, Jordan’s selflessness didn’t stop. Through organ donation, Jordan was able to save other lives—just as she had saved her cousin’s. Her family said that donating her organs was something Jordan would have wanted. “She gave the gift of life even after her passing,” Robinson shared. “That was our Jordan. Always thinking of others, always giving.”
Two fundraisers have been launched—one to help cover Jordan’s funeral costs, and the other to support Laila’s ongoing medical expenses. The response from the public has been overwhelming. Strangers from across the country, moved by Jordan’s story, have sent messages of support and donations to honor her memory.
Local residents, too, have been deeply affected. Steven Gabbard, who has lived on Star Lake for decades, said, “Oh my gosh. It’s unbelievable. Star Lake is usually so peaceful. You don’t expect this kind of tragedy here.” And yet, even in the darkest of moments, he and many others have been touched by the light of Jordan’s final act—a rare kind of courage, love, and sacrifice that few could ever imagine, let alone carry out.
Jordan’s legacy lives on—not only in Laila’s healing and the lives saved through her organ donation, but in the way she loved, gave, and stood up for others. Her story is one of unimaginable loss, yes—but also of breathtaking bravery, fierce love, and the power of one small life to touch countless others.
As one family friend, Allison Hadley, wrote in a heartfelt tribute:
“The love, laughter, and joy you brought will echo in our hearts forever. You were a light in our lives, and that light will never fade.”
Jordan Roe may have only lived 11 short years, but the depth of her character, the courage of her actions, and the love she shared with the world will be remembered for a lifetime.
