NEED TO KNOW
- Jordan Roe, 11, died in a tubing accident in Florida on June 17
- Kristine Robinson, a family member, said in an interview that Jordan saved one of her daughters’ life
- A GoFundMe stated that Jordan was an organ donor
The family of an 11-year-old girl who was killed in a tubing incident in Florida recalled the child’s bravery and sacrifice in the wake of the tragedy.
In an interview with NBC affiliate WJHG, Kristine Robinson, the mother of daughters Laila, 8, and Brylee, 9, paid tribute to the girls’ late cousin Jordan Roe, 11.
“Jordan has always been the protector of all the kids, like you can’t tell her no different,” Robinson told the local outlet. “Jordan sacrificed her life, and she saved her cousin’s life with her life. And that’s all she knew what to do. She’s always been the protector of her family of all the kids, and I truly believe she saved her cousin’s life.”
A jet ski pulled a tube carrying Jordan, Laila and Brylee on June 17 in Hawthorne, Fla., when the incident occurred, according to Robinson and authorities.
“On Tuesday, June 17, along with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers responded to a reported boating incident in Putnam County involving a tube being towed by a personal watercraft,” the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.
According to officials, “two juveniles were injured in the incident, and tragically, one has passed away.”
Citing the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, ABC affiliate WCJB reported that the incident occurred on Star Lake when the tube reportedly collided with a dock as it was being pulled by the jet ski.
“The FWC extends its heartfelt condolences to the family affected by this devastating event,” the agency continued.
Authorities added that no further information is available as the situation remains “an active investigation.”
PEOPLE reached out to Robinson and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for additional comment on Thursday, June 26.
Robinson, who was at an NICU in Tampa taking care of her micro-preemie baby, told WJHG that the girls were having fun at a family barbecue as school had finished for the year.
“They were on the tube, having a great time,” she said.
The incident severely injured Laila, with surgeries to come, Robinson said. Brylee suffered a couple of bruises.
Robinson established a GoFundMe on behalf of Jordan’s family. She wrote in the fundraiser description that the girl was a straight-A student and aspired to become a surgeon or veterinarian.
“Jordan died as she lived—protecting her family,” Robinson stated. “Even in her passing, she gave the gift of life to others through organ donation, fulfilling her wish to bring hope and smiles to those in need. Jordan’s memory will live on in the lives she touched, both in our family and beyond.”
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“She was a free spirit, wise beyond her years, and always made sure everyone around her felt safe and loved,” Robinson continued. “Our only comfort is knowing she is safe with God and Jesus, as her faith was an important part of her life.”
Robinson organized another GoFundMe to raise money for her daughter Laila’s transportation as she deals with her injuries.
“I just ask everyone, hold your babies tight,” Robinson told WJHG, adding, “We all want to have fun with our kids. Please be careful.”
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