A Florida teenager has sadly died in a heartbreaking accident just over a week before her 14th birthday.
Jackhria Sheppard, 13, was spending a Sunday evening with her two older brothers at Royal Springs Park in O’Brien when the unthinkable happened.
Despite being able to swim, the teen got caught in a powerful current and was pulled underwater, according to WCJB.
Rescue teams were called around 6PM, and Jackhria was rushed to HCA Florida Lake City Hospital’s Suwannee Emergency. Tragically, she could not be saved and was pronounced dead shortly after.
Her devastated mother, Diana Sheppard, issued an emotional warning to others: “Please be safe when you go into the waters. Please be safe. Don’t go alone. Go with an adult. Always have somebody surrounding you.”
Jackhria’s passing has shaken the tight-knit community, especially coming just days before what would have been her 14th birthday on May 6.
Her mom described the pain of losing her daughter as overwhelming. “To keep from crying, I have to laugh to keep from falling to pieces. It’s not easy,” Diana said. “It’s just a process that’s very overwhelming.”
Heartbreakingly, this isn’t the first time Diana has faced the unimaginable. Jackhria is the second child she’s lost, leaving her with two surviving children.
Despite the grief, Diana is holding on to the good memories. “She just had a giving heart, and I want people to remember her as the loving person that always gave, was always willing to give, always willing to do for others,” she told the outlet.
Her classmates at Lake City Middle School honored Jackhria by decorating her desk, paying tribute to her bright spirit and love for dancing and singing.
Principal Trey Hosford, a close family friend, shared: “I can’t imagine what the family’s going through, and my thoughts are with her and the older brother, and just all the cousins, and just the whole family because I know them all, and I know they were heartbroken."
Hosford and Coach Brian Allen have since launched a fundraiser to help with funeral costs. Allen is cooking up his “famous chicken and rice” to sell in the community as part of the effort.
“Let’s show this family how much our community loves them,” Hosford wrote on Facebook.
Overcome with emotion, the bereaved mother said she’s been deeply moved by the outpouring of support.
“Everybody that has come together in the community that is trying to help, and trying to donate, I appreciate it,” she added.
Our thoughts are with Jackhria's loved ones at this devastating time.