Severe spring was just over, and summer had just started when the world of a Florida family crumbled into pieces within seconds.
It was to be a day of fun on the water that became a nightmare – and a heart-rending display of heroism.
Jordan Roe was only eleven years old, but her heart was big as her smile. She was regarded as the protector by her family because she would never put herself first. On Tuesday, June 24, she did it one final time, giving her life to rescue her 8 year old cousin, Laila, in a tragic accident on tubes that have left a community devastated.
The children were on a family outing with a barbecue and tubing on Star Lake that borders Putnam and Alachua County in Florida. Jordan, Laila, and 9-year old Brylee were in the process of being pulled by a Sea-Doo jet ski when it crashed into a dock. The collision sends the three children into water, WCJB says.
To begin with there was confusion. The victims were not initially identified by authorities and initial reports erroneously told of the death of the 8-year-old. Jordan was the one who did not survive.
Brylee only had minor bruises, but Laila was taken to the hospital with injuries that were life-threatening. She has since had numerous surgeries and according to her family, she should not be alive at all were it not for this last act of love by Jordan.
Her aunt said that Jordan gave up her life and saved the life of her cousin with hers and referred to the courageous girl as the savior of their family.
Laila and Brylee are the daughters of Kristine Robinson, who was at Tampa looking after her new born baby in a NICU when she received the call no parent likes to hear.
She is now encouraging other families to value their loved ones and be serious about water safety matters.
I just want everybody to keep their babies close, Robinson said to WJHG and added: We all want to be able to play with our babies. Take care.
Even though Laila is in that condition, she still battles even in the hospital bed of the pediatric ICU. Her family is still in the clutches of hope that the little girl with a big heart is going to recover – in the name of her mother, her baby brother, and the cousin who gave her life to save her.
Since Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the incident, they have requested any potential witnesses or video evidence within the society.
In the meantime, Jordan has received an outpouring of tributes as a person who showed compassion not only to family members. She had a passion in animals, aspired to be a veterinarian, and never failed to give somebody a promising opportunity.
According to a GoFundMe created in Jordan by Kristine Robinson, the former was lauded as a free spirit and compassionate, and her life recalled how she would wake up and make sure her hands were steady enough to attend to others.
“Jordan was killed in the same way she was living, defending her family that is all,” said Robinson. Even in her late hours, she gave others life by giving away some of her organs as parting gifts and even then it was her wish to make people smile and have some hope. In our family and beyond, the memory of Jordan will pass on through the lives of all who she touched.”
We shall hear the echoes of the love, laughter and joy you gave in our heart forever. Allison Hadley, a family friend, had written on Facebook with tears: Youth were a light in our lives, and that light can never go out.
Two fundraising sites have been created, one to aid in meeting the costs of the funeral of Jordan, and one to aid Lailas continuous treatment. Donations have flooded in with strangers all around the country being touched by the courageous efforts of Jordan.
Steve Gabbard, a longtime resident of Star Lake, summed it up as most seem to be feeling.
Oh my God. It cannot be believed, he said to First Coast News. Star Lake is generally so quiet. This is not the type of tragedy you expect.”
However, in tragedy even, the last action of Jordan serves as a great example of self- less devotion and love and the very kind of courage we seldom come across even in adults.
Her memory continues through the cousin she rescued and the many-lives that were changed by her story.
