A 13-year-old girl, identified as Joeylin Kenley McDonald, died after plummeting 25 feet through an attic floor at an after-school program in Pueblo, Colorado. The tragedy struck at Rocky Mountain SER's Empowerment Center, stunning the tight-knit community. Pueblo police are investigating the incident, but mystery surrounds the circumstances of the accident.
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Police rushed to the food pantry, two hours south of Denver, around 7 p.m. after a report of a fatal fall. Officers found Joeylin dead at the scene, per KRDO. She joined other juveniles for a youth kickball event, but no one knows how she reached the attic or where she fell. Rocky Mountain SER shared deep sorrow. "Joeylin shone as a bright, beloved light in our community," the nonprofit declared. "Her loss devastates everyone who knew her."
The organization, which runs empowerment centers across Colorado, rallied for support. "We urge Pueblo and beyond to pray for Joeylin's family," officials said. Investigators continue to look to unravel the tragedy's details.
A Life Full of Passion
Joeylin's family celebrated her vibrant spirit. "She was smart, headstrong, beautiful, sassy, sweet, and a fierce worker," said her aunt, Caitlyn Valdez. At Connect Charter School, Joeylin reportedly thrived academically and was preparing for a Colorado state history day competition. Classmates honored her by wearing pink, her favorite color.
Joeylin also reportedly excelled in sports and the arts. She played soccer for the undefeated Rangers, marking a decade on the team. She also danced jazz, tap, hip-hop, and ballet, with a May recital on the horizon. In the Miss Pueblo County scholarship pageant, she claimed the Miss Spirit 2024 title. "Joeylin loved pageants and embraced community service," Valdez noted.
Family anchored Joeylin's world. "She adored her five siblings, bonding uniquely with each," Valdez said. Her father, Jeremy McDonald, posted a heart-wrenching tribute. "Your smile lit up every room," he wrote. Her mother, Lauren, called Joeylin an "angel" and sought prayers for her other children.
The community has mobilized to support Joeylin's family. A Meal Train donation page, calling her "the stars in the sky," raised over $800 by Tuesday. Funeral plans remain unannounced. "She was unforgettable," Valdez said. The investigation is ongoing, KRDO reported.
