Summer had barely begun when a Florida family’s world was changed forever.
What started as a carefree day filled with laughter, sunshine, and tubing on the lake quickly turned into a heartbreaking tragedy — and a moment of extraordinary courage.
Eleven-year-old Jordan Roe, known for her radiant smile and selfless heart, lived up to her nickname: the “protector.” On Tuesday, June 24, Jordan made the ultimate sacrifice — giving her life to save her 8-year-old cousin, Laila, during a horrific tubing accident that has shaken an entire community.
The children had been enjoying a joyful afternoon on Star Lake, which stretches along the Putnam and Alachua County line. As part of a family barbecue, Jordan, Laila, and 9-year-old Brylee were being pulled behind a Sea-Doo jet ski when the unthinkable happened — the watercraft crashed into a dock, hurling all three into the water, according to WCJB.
At first, confusion clouded the tragedy.
Authorities didn’t immediately release the names of the children involved, and early reports mistakenly claimed that 8-year-old Laila had died. But it was Jordan — the brave, big-hearted 11-year-old — who didn’t survive.
While 9-year-old Brylee escaped with minor bruises, Laila was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition. She has since endured multiple surgeries — and according to her family, she’s only alive today because of Jordan’s final, selfless act.
“Jordan sacrificed her life. She saved her cousin with her own life,” said her grieving aunt. “She truly was the protector of our family.”
Kristine Robinson, the mother of Laila and Brylee, was in Tampa at the time, caring for her newborn in a NICU, when she received the call every parent dreads.
Now, through unimaginable pain, Kristine is urging other families to hold their loved ones closer and to never take water safety for granted.
“I just ask everyone — hold your babies tight,” Kristine Robinson told WJHG. “We all want to have fun with our kids. Please be careful.”
Despite the severity of her injuries, little Laila continues to fight for her life in the pediatric ICU. Surrounded by love and prayers, her family believes in her strength — knowing the girl with a big heart is holding on for her mom, her baby brother, and the cousin who gave everything to save her.
As the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continues to investigate the tragedy, officials are asking for eyewitness accounts or video footage that could help piece together what happened on Star Lake that day.
Meanwhile, an outpouring of tributes has flooded in for Jordan — a girl whose kindness and courage left an indelible mark. She adored animals, dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Her compassion wasn’t just a trait — it was who she was.
A GoFundMe created by Kristine in Jordan’s memory describes her as “a free spirit and compassionate,” recalling how she’d wake up each day and ask if her hands were steady enough — not for herself, but to care for others.
“Jordan died as she lived — protecting her family,” said Kristine Robinson. “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.”
The ripple effect of Jordan’s bravery continues to grow. A touching Facebook tribute from family friend Allison Hadley reads:
“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.”
In the wake of the tragedy, two fundraising pages have been created — one to help cover funeral costs for Jordan, and another to support Laila’s long road to recovery. Donations have been pouring in from across the country, as people everywhere are moved by Jordan’s selflessness and strength.
Local residents are still reeling from the loss.
“Oh my gosh. It’s unbelievable,” longtime Star Lake resident Steven Gabbard told First Coast News. “Star Lake is usually so peaceful. You don’t expect this kind of tragedy.”
Yet even in the face of tragedy, Jordan’s final act shines as a profound testament to selflessness, love, and a courage beyond her years — a bravery rarely witnessed, even among adults.
Her legacy endures in the life of the cousin she saved and in the hearts of all those forever touched by her extraordinary story.