When a Florida family’s world fell everything in an instant, summer had just begun. What started out as a fun day on the water became a nightmare and an instance of unforgettably heroic bravery. Jordan Roe was eleven years old, and her smile was as big as her heart.
Her family refers to her as the “protector” since she always prioritizes other people. She gave her life to save her 8-year-old cousin, Laila, in a tragic tubing accident on Tuesday, June 24, which devastated the town. It was her last ac
Jordan, Laila, and 9-year-old Brylee were being pulled behind a Sea-Doo jet ski when it abruptly slammed into a dock, sending all three of them into the water, according to WCJB. The children were enjoying a family barbecue and tubing on Star Lake, which bridges the Putnam and Alachua County line in Florida.
Initially, there was misunderstanding. Early reports incorrectly stated that the 8-year-old had died, and authorities failed to identify the victims right away. Jordan, however, did not make it out alive. Laila was taken to the hospital with potentially fatal injuries, but Brylee left with only minor bruises.
Since then, she has had multiple surgeries, and according to her family, Jordan’s last act of love is the only reason she is still alive. Her aunt referred to the courageous youngster as the family’s guardian, saying, “Jordan gave her life and saved her cousin’s life with her life.”
Laila and Brylee’s mother, Kristine Robinson, was in Tampa at the time, tending to her infant in the NICU, when she received the call that no parent wants to get. She is now advising other families to value their loved ones and give water safety careful consideration.
Robinson told WJHG, “I just ask everyone, hold your babies tight.” “We all want to have fun with our kids,” Robinson added. Please exercise caution. Laila is still fighting from her hospital bed in the pediatric intensive care unit, despite her condition. Knowing that the young child with a “big heart” is committed to getting better, her family is clinging to hope for her mother, her younger brother, and the cousin who saved her life.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has requested any public eyewitness reports or video footage as part of its investigation into the incident. In the meantime, tributes to Jordan, whose empathy went beyond family, have been pouring in. She had a passion for animals, aspired to be a veterinarian, and never passed up the opportunity to assist those in need.
Jordan was described as “a free spirit and compassionate” in a GoFundMe created by Kristine Robinson in her memory. It recalled how she would wake up each day to see if her hands were steady enough to take care of others.
Robinson said, “Jordan died as she lived — protecting her family.” Even in death, she fulfilled her desire to give people hope and joy by donating her organs, giving others the gift of life. The lives that Jordan impacted, both inside and outside of our family, will carry on her legacy. “Your love, pleasure, and laughter will always reverberate in our hearts. In a heartfelt Facebook remembrance, family friend Allison Hadley wrote, “You were a light in our lives, and that light will never fade.” Two fundraising pages have been established: one to support Laila’s continuing medical treatment and the other to aid with Jordan’s burial costs. As people all throughout the nation are inspired by Jordan’s courage, donations have been pouring in.
Steven Gabbard, a longtime resident of Star Lake, summed up the sentiments of many. “Oh my god. I can’t believe it,” he said to First Coast News. “Star Lake is normally very quiet. Such a calamity is not to be expected.
Jordan’s last deed, however, serves as a potent reminder of love, selflessness, and the kind of bravery that is uncommon, even in adults, despite tragedy. The cousin she saved and the innumerable people her story affected are testaments to her legacy.