Tragic Loss: 13-Year-Old Girl Dies in After-School Program Accident
A Devastating Incident Rocks the Pueblo Community
The tight-knit community of Pueblo, Colorado, is grieving the heartbreaking loss of a young life following a devastating accident at a local after-school program. On Friday evening, April 18, 2025, 13-year-old Joeylin Kenley McDonald tragically died after falling approximately 25 feet through an attic floor at the Rocky Mountain SER after-school head start program. The incident occurred around 7 p.m., when the Pueblo Police Department received an emergency call from someone at the facility. When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered the young girl had already succumbed to her injuries. The shocking nature of the accident has left family members, friends, and the broader community searching for answers while trying to process an unimaginable loss that no parent, sibling, or loved one should ever have to endure.
The Circumstances Surrounding the Tragedy
While the exact details of how this accident occurred remain unclear, investigators are working diligently to piece together what happened during those final moments. According to reports from KRDO, the local ABC affiliate serving Colorado Springs, Joeylin was with a group of other children when the tragic fall occurred. The Pueblo Police Department has confirmed that an investigation is currently underway, though officials have not yet determined whether this incident involves any criminal elements or was purely accidental in nature. The fact that other children were present during this devastating event adds another layer of complexity to an already heartbreaking situation, as these young witnesses will undoubtedly carry the emotional weight of what they experienced. Questions naturally arise about how children came to be in an attic area of the facility, what safety measures were in place, and what circumstances led to Joeylin’s fatal fall through the floor. As investigators continue their work, the community waits anxiously for answers that might help them understand how such a tragedy could occur at a place designed to keep children safe and engaged in positive activities after school hours.
Remembering Joeylin: A Bright Light Extinguished Too Soon
The loss of Joeylin Kenley McDonald represents far more than statistics or news headlines—it’s the devastating end of a young life full of promise, personality, and potential. Those who knew her best paint a picture of an extraordinary young person who touched lives in profound ways despite her young age. Her aunt, Caitlyn Valdez, shared a deeply moving tribute that captures the essence of who Joeylin was to those who loved her. “Joeylin was the brightest soul in the world,” Valdez said in a statement that speaks to the profound impact this 13-year-old had on everyone around her. She described her niece as smart, headstrong, beautiful, sassy, sweet, and caring—a combination of qualities that made Joeylin truly unique. Valdez also emphasized that her niece was “one hell of a hard worker,” highlighting the determination and work ethic that Joeylin demonstrated even at such a tender age. The family’s pain is palpable in Valdez’s words as she acknowledged the long road ahead: “Mourning the loss of such a beautiful soul will be a daily task for the rest of our lives. Joeylin is one of a kind and will never be forgotten.” These aren’t just words of grief—they’re a testament to a life that mattered, a young person who made a real difference in the lives of her family members, and a reminder of all the moments, milestones, and memories that will now never come to pass.
The Community Responds with Support and Sorrow
In the wake of this tragedy, the Rocky Mountain SER after-school program released a statement acknowledging the profound loss and calling upon the community to come together during this dark time. The organization described Joeylin’s death as a “tragic loss within our community,” recognizing that the impact extends far beyond her immediate family to touch everyone who knew her or participated in the program. “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,” the statement read, echoing the sentiments expressed by her family members. The organization acknowledged that while the exact circumstances of the tragedy remain under investigation, the priority now is supporting those affected by this loss. They called upon 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.” This call for community solidarity reflects the reality that tragedies like this create ripples of grief that extend throughout entire communities. Joeylin’s classmates, teachers, program coordinators, family friends, and even those who knew her only in passing are all processing this loss in their own ways, trying to make sense of something that defies understanding.
A Family Forever Changed
Behind every tragedy are real people whose lives are irrevocably altered in an instant. Joeylin Kenley McDonald leaves behind a family that will never be the same—five siblings who have lost their sister, two parents who must somehow navigate the impossible grief of outliving their child, and an extended family network that includes aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents all grappling with this loss. For her siblings, the absence of their sister will be felt in countless ways, from the empty seat at the dinner table to the milestones they’ll experience without her presence. Her parents face the unimaginable task of planning a funeral for their daughter and finding a way forward through grief that no parent should ever have to endure. The extended family, including Aunt Caitlyn who spoke so beautifully about Joeylin’s character, will carry the weight of this loss through all the family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations where Joeylin’s absence will be keenly felt. The financial burden that often accompanies unexpected tragedy adds another layer of stress during an already overwhelming time. Beyond the emotional toll, families dealing with sudden loss often face unexpected expenses related to funeral arrangements, memorial services, and other costs that arise when tragedy strikes without warning. The community’s support during this time becomes not just emotionally valuable but practically essential as the family navigates the difficult days, weeks, and months ahead.
Moving Forward While Seeking Answers
As the investigation into Joeylin’s death continues, the Pueblo community faces the difficult task of moving forward while still seeking answers about how this tragedy occurred. The ongoing nature of the investigation means that many questions remain unanswered—questions that Joeylin’s family, friends, and the community deserve to have addressed. Understanding what happened, how it happened, and whether it could have been prevented are crucial not only for finding closure but also for ensuring that other children remain safe in similar environments. After-school programs serve a vital function in communities across the country, providing safe, supervised environments where children can learn, grow, and engage in positive activities while their parents work. The tragedy at Rocky Mountain SER raises important questions about facility safety, supervision protocols, and the measures in place to prevent children from accessing potentially dangerous areas like attics. As investigators work to determine whether any criminal negligence occurred or whether this was a terrible accident, the findings will likely have implications that extend beyond this single incident. Meanwhile, the community must balance the need for accountability with the recognition that everyone involved—from program staff to administrators—are also processing trauma and grief from this event. Moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting Joeylin or moving past this tragedy quickly; rather, it means finding ways to honor her memory, support her family, and work toward ensuring that no other family has to experience such a devastating loss. The Pueblo Police Department’s ongoing investigation will hopefully provide the answers that everyone seeks, but regardless of what those findings reveal, nothing can change the fundamental reality that a bright, beloved 13-year-old girl is gone, leaving behind a family, a community, and a world that is diminished by her absence.
