PUEBLO — A 13-year-old girl in Pueblo is dead after falling 25 feet onto a gym floor, according to the Pueblo Police Department.
News5 is in contact with the family and, to respect their privacy, is choosing not to identify her at the time of publishing this article since her identity has not been released publicly.
The incident took place on Friday, April 18, at the Rocky Mountain Service Employment & Redevelopment (RMSER) Empowerment Center along Lake Avenue.
According to police, the child was at the RMSER Employment Center for a youth "kickback" event. Police learned through their investigation that the child and four others had been exploring the building unsupervised when they found a ladder leading to the attic of the building.
While in the attic, the five were walking across the wooden beams when one child fell through the ceiling 25-feet to the gym floor below. Despite life-saving efforts from fire and rescue personnel on scene and at a local hospital, the girl died Friday evening.
Staff at RMSER shared the following statement with News5 regarding this incident:
"It is with profoundly broken hearts that we at RMSER mournfully share with you the heartbreaking news of a tragic loss within our community. On Friday evening, during a Youth Kickback event at the Pueblo RMSER Empowerment Center, 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 you all to join us in lifting in loving support and deep prayer Joeylin, her family, friends, and all who are grieving during this unimaginable time.
Due to the investigation that is happening, RMSER Pueblo Empowerment Center is CLOSED until at least Monday, April 29, 2025 - this cancellation includes the RMSER Pantry. Specifically, RMSER will inform you when the Center reopens.
Thank you for your understanding and patience."
The Miss Pueblo County Scholarship Pageant provided News5 with the following statement:
“Joeylin was a shining light, filling rooms with her laughter and touching countless lives. As we approach the pageant, just a couple of weeks away, her enthusiasm and preparation were truly inspiring. A 2024 Runner Up Pre-Teen and the Spirit Winner for the pageant, Joeylin's passion for community service shone brightly through her volunteer work, especially with our float project and mentoring younger court members. This Saturday, at our final workshop, we will wear pink in her honor. My deepest condolences to Joeylin's family – she'll be deeply missed. Rest in peace, sweet Joeylin – may your spirit soar with the angels.”
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