An 11-year-old Florida girl who was tragically killed in a tubing accident used her final moments to save her cousin's life.
The incident occurred in Lynn Haven, Florida, when 11-year-old Jordan Roe tragically lost her life, per PEOPLE.
“I recently had a baby and I’ve been stationed in Tampa in the NICU dealing with my micro preemie baby,” said Kristine Robinson, mother of Laila, 8, and Brylee, 9.
“My girls were up here having some fun, school just got out. They were out of barbecue with my sister and their cousins. They were on the tube, having a great time.”
On June 20, a jet ski was pulling a tube carrying Jordan, Laila, and Brylee when the crash occurred, according to Robinson.
The girls were enjoying a family barbecue to celebrate the end of the school year while Robinson was away in Tampa with her newborn. “They were on the tube, having a great time,” she said.
But the fun quickly turned tragic when the tube crashed, leading to severe injuries for Laila, who now faces multiple surgeries, and bruises for Brylee, while Jordan lost her life in the accident.
“You know Jordan has gained her angel wings, and Laila has a long, long road ahead of her, when we’ve already got surgery one down,” said Robinson. “We are still working on getting her next couple surgeries done.”
Through their grief, Robinson and her family are remembering Jordan as a hero who died protecting her cousins.
“Jordan has always been the protector of all the kids, like you can’t tell her no different,” Robinson told NBC affiliate WJHG.
“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.”
In a statement to PEOPLE, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed the incident remains under investigation. They are asking for anyone who witnessed the crash or has video footage to contact their hotline.
Jordan’s family has since established a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs, describing her as a straight-A student who wanted to become a surgeon or veterinarian.
“Jordan died as she lived - protecting her family,” Robinson stated in the fundraiser. “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.”
“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.”
A second GoFundMe has been launched for Laila’s medical transportation as she recovers from her injuries. Robinson later told PEOPLE that Laila is in stable condition.
In the wake of the tragedy, Robinson hopes other families will take the lesson of water safety to heart while cherishing every moment with their children.
“I just ask everyone, hold your babies tight,” Robinson said, adding: “Give them a hug because some of us can’t, and when you are on the water, we all want to have fun, it is summer. We all want to have fun with our kids. Please be careful.”
Our thoughts go out to Jordan Roe's family and loved ones at this time.