What began as a joyful summer day on the water turned into an unimaginable tragedy, leaving a Florida family devastated but also filled with pride over the heroism of an 11-year-old girl. Jordan Roe, known as the “protector” of her family, made the ultimate sacrifice to save her 8-year-old cousin, Laila, in a tubing accident that has left the community heartbroken.
A Day of Fun Turns Into Tragedy
On Tuesday, June 24, Jordan, Laila, and their 9-year-old cousin Brylee were enjoying a family barbecue and tubing on Star Lake, which sits on the border between Putnam and Alachua counties in Florida. The children were being pulled behind a Sea-Doo jet ski when the vehicle unexpectedly crashed into a dock, launching all three children into the water.
At first, there was confusion, with early reports mistakenly claiming that Laila had passed away. However, it was Jordan who tragically lost her life. While Brylee emerged with minor bruises, Laila was critically injured and rushed to the hospital, where she underwent multiple surgeries. The family believes Laila is alive today because of Jordan’s selfless act.
A Family’s Heartbreaking Loss
Jordan’s aunt described the young girl as “the protector” of their family, noting that Jordan sacrificed her life to save her cousin. Kristine Robinson, Laila’s mother, was in Tampa at the time, caring for her newborn in a NICU when she received the heartbreaking news.
“It’s a parent’s worst nightmare,” Robinson said. “Please be careful and hold your babies tight. We all want to have fun with our kids, but water safety is so important.”
Despite her critical condition, Laila continues to fight for her life in the pediatric ICU, with her family holding onto hope. They believe that Laila’s strength, combined with her cousin’s love, will help her pull through.
Jordan’s Legacy of Love and Compassion
Jordan’s family and friends have described her as a compassionate, free-spirited young girl who was passionate about helping others. She loved animals and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. In the words of her family, she was always ready to assist anyone in need, whether it was caring for animals or her family.
A GoFundMe page set up in Jordan’s honor described her as “a free spirit and compassionate,” remembering how she’d wake up every morning checking to see if her hands were steady enough to care for others. Even in her passing, Jordan gave the gift of life through organ donation, fulfilling her wish to bring hope and smiles to those in need.
Tributes and Support for the Family
Tributes to Jordan have flooded in, with family members and friends praising her bravery and selflessness. Allison Hadley, a family friend, shared a tearful tribute on Facebook, stating, “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.”
Two fundraising pages have been launched—one to cover Jordan’s funeral expenses and another to support Laila’s ongoing medical care. Donations have poured in from people across the country, moved by Jordan’s extraordinary act of courage.
Longtime Star Lake resident Steven Gabbard summed up the shock and sorrow felt by many: “It’s unbelievable. Star Lake is usually so peaceful. You don’t expect this kind of tragedy.”
A Lasting Legacy
While the accident at Star Lake was a devastating loss, Jordan’s final act of love and courage serves as a powerful reminder of the selflessness and bravery that even young children are capable of. Her legacy lives on in Laila, the cousin she saved, and in the hearts of all those who were touched by her story.
Jordan’s memory will continue to inspire others to act with kindness and courage, and her love for her family will forever be remembered in the lives she saved and the countless people who will carry her story in their hearts.
