Terrifying final moments of teen beauty queen who plunged 25ft to death
Joeylin McDonald, 13, died on Friday, April 18, after she fell about 25ft through an attic floor and down into the gym below - police are investigating the circumstances around the fall
A 13-year-old schoolgirl has died after plunging though and attic floor and falling 25ft to her death.
Joeylin McDonald reportedly fell 25ft through a ceiling and down to the gym below during an after-school programme. Police said they were alerted to reports of a fall at about 7pm on the Friday. When they arrived, officers pronounced Joeylin dead at the scene. An investigation is being carried out to determine the circumstances around the fall.
Joeylin and her friends had been exploring the area 'unsupervised'. Police told the Daily Mail that she and four others went upstairs and found a ladder which lead to the attic. After climbing up, they walked across the wooden beams inside, but Joeyline "fell through the ceiling, dropping approximately 25 feet to the gym floor below."
The Connect Charter School student had been attending a Rocky Mountain Service, Employment and Redevelopment (RMSER) youth event in Pueblo, Colorado, on Friday, April 18. She is said to have loved learning and was previously crowned Miss Spirit 2024. She was the third of six siblings and a fundraiser for her funeral and other expenses has been organised in her memory.
Her family penned a heart-breaking statement, praising Joeylin as "smart, headstrong" and "beautiful. The statement said: "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.
"Joeylin is a student at Connect in Pueblo. She is all about education like her mama. This coming weekend, her team will be competing at the State History Day competition. Joeylin has many friends who honoured her at school today (Tuesday) by wearing her favourite colour, pink.
"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 is 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 loves the pageant and was involved with lots of community services around Pueblo.
"Joeylin dances for Sarah Shaw. She has been dancing for many years, jazz, tap, hip hop, and ballet. She has a recital coming up in May. She has been dancing since she was 7 years old.
"The most important part of Joeylin is her family. She is 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 holds a special bond with each and every one of her five siblings. 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."
Following the announcement of Joeylin's tragic death, RMSER of Pueblo also issued a statement praising the teen. "It is with profoundly broken hearts that we at RMSER mournfully share with you the heart-breaking news of a tragic loss within our community.," the statement said.
"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."
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