Summer had barely begun when tragedy struck a Florida family—turning a joyful day on the water into a scene of heartbreak and unexpected heroism.

Eleven-year-old Jordan Roe was the kind of child everyone remembered for her warmth and selflessness. Her family lovingly called her the “protector,” because she always put others before herself. On Tuesday, June 24, Jordan lived up to that name one final time—sacrificing her life to save her 8-year-old cousin, Laila, during a devastating tubing accident that has shaken the community.

The family had gathered for a summer barbecue by Star Lake, which lies on the Putnam–Alachua County line in Florida. The day was filled with laughter and adventure as Jordan, Laila, and their 9-year-old cousin Brylee rode together on an inflatable tube pulled behind a Sea-Doo jet ski. But in a sudden, tragic turn, the jet ski slammed into a dock, throwing all three children into the water, according to WCJB.