Girl, 13, killed in freak accident at Colorado after-school program
The Pueblo Police Department were called to Rocky Mountain SER - a local food pantry about two hours outside of Denver - on Friday around 7 pm and found Joeylin Kenley McDonald dead at the scene.
It is unclear how she got in the attic or where in the building she fell from, but police said she was with a group of juveniles at the time, KRDO reported.
The fateful acciden t took place during a youth kickball game at the food pantry, the organization said.
'It is with profoundly broken hearts that we at RMSER mournfully acknowledge the heartbreaking news of a tragic loss within our community,' the group continued.
'On Friday evening, during a Youth Kickback event at the RMSER Pueblo Empowerment Center & Resilience Hub, a precious young soul, Joeylin, age 13, tragically passed away in an accident.
'Joeylin was a bright and beloved light in our community, and her sudden passing is a devastating blow to all who knew and loved her.
'While the exact circumstances of this tragedy remain under investigation, we ask the Pueblo community and beyond to join us in lifting in loving support and deep prayer for Joeylin, her family, friends, and all who are grieving during this unimaginable time.'
Rocky Mountain SER manages four different empowerment centers - one in Pueblo, another in Denver, a third in Alamosa, and the fourth in San Luis, according to its website.
Joeylin's heartbroken family has remembered her as a 'smart, headstrong, beautiful, sassy, sweet, caring and one hell of a hard worker.'
'Joeylin was the brightest soul in the world. She is smart, headstrong, beautiful, sassy, sweet, caring and one hell of a hard worker. A true force to be reckoned with,' her aunt Caitlyn Valdez said.
Valdez said her late niece attended Connect Charter School in Pueblo and was 'all about education like her mama.'
'This coming weekend her team will be competing at State history day competition. Joeylin has many friends who honored her at school today by wearing her favorite color, pink,' she shared.
The middle schooler enjoyed many sports and activities, including soccer, dance and pageants.
'Joeylin played soccer for the Rangers, who are undefeated this season! This was her 10th year and 20th season. She enjoyed soccer very much.
'Joeylin [was] also an alumnus/contestant in the Miss Pueblo County scholarship pageant, where last year she was runner-up for Miss Pre-Teen and also crowned Miss Spirit 2024.
'Joeylin absolutely [loved] the pageant and was involved with lots of community services around Pueblo.
'Joeylin [danced] for Sarah Shaw. She [had] been dancing for many years, in jazz, tap, hip hop, and ballet. She [had] a recital coming up in May. She [had] been dancing since she was 7 years old.'
'She [was] extremely dedicated to her brothers and sisters, and you could never decide if she was a mama's girl or a daddy's girl. She [held] a special bond with each and every one of her five siblings,' her grieving aunt stated.
'Mourning the loss of such a beautiful soul will be a daily task for the rest of our lives. Joeylin [was] one of a kind and will never be forgotten.'
Her father, Jeremy McDonald, posted several images of his late daughter to Facebook and wrote about his 'beautiful baby girl.'
'You are my beautiful baby girl I'm losing my mind not being able to hear your voice and it's crazy I miss you yelling at me stomping your feet at me when you didn't get your way, I miss your beautiful smile when you walked into the room, Joeylin daddy and mommy miss you so much,' Jeremy said.
On Saturday, Joeylin's mother, Lauren McDonald, said her 'beautiful sweet girl became and angel tonight.'
'Please pray for my other babies for healing. We are all feeling broken right now. Joeylin there won't be a day you don't cross our minds. We love you sweet girl,' she added.
A Meal Train donation page has been created to help her family during this challenging time.
'She was the light in the dark, the stars in the sky. She will be greatly missed,' the page said.
As of Tuesday morning, more than $800 had been raised. It is unclear when her funeral will be.
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