The start of summer in Florida turned tragic for one family when 11-year-old Jordan Roe lost her life in a tubing accident at Star Lake on June 24, 2025. Known as “the protector” of her family, Jordan lived up to her nickname in her final moments.
Jordan and her cousins, 8-year-old Laila and 9-year-old Brylee, spent the day enjoying the water, tubing behind a Sea-Doo jet ski, and celebrating at a family barbecue. But the fun ended in disaster when the watercraft veered out of control, hitting a dock and throwing the children into the lake.
At first, officials mistakenly identified the victim as Laila. Later it was confirmed that Jordan had died, while Laila was critically injured and Brylee escaped with minor injuries.
According to family members, Jordan shielded her cousins in the split second before impact. “She sacrificed her life to save her cousin’s,” her aunt said.
Laila underwent several surgeries, while her mother, Kristine Robinson, was in Tampa caring for a newborn when she got the devastating call. Now she urges families to be vigilant: “Hold your babies tight… accidents happen in a blink.”
Jordan’s dreams of becoming a veterinarian will never be realized, but her legacy continues. Through organ donation — something she had always wanted — she saved more lives even after her passing.
Two GoFundMe campaigns were launched to cover Jordan’s funeral expenses and Laila’s medical bills. Support has poured in nationwide, with donations and words of comfort flooding the family.
Longtime Star Lake residents remain shaken by the tragedy. As one neighbor put it, “Star Lake is usually so peaceful. You don’t expect this kind of heartbreak here.” Jordan’s memory endures through the cousin she protected and the lives her final gift touched.