A Colorado teen has died following a horrific fall while at an after-school program. Joeylin Kenley McDonald, 13, reportedly fell 25 feet through the attic floor at the Rocky Mountain SER after-school program on April 18, 2025. Officers from the Pueblo Police Department arrived about 7 p.m. and pronounced Joeylin dead. Her family is now mourning a young girl’s life cut short.
Joeylin was reportedly with a group of children when she died, according to KDRO. Police are still trying to determine how the teenager fell or if there is a criminal element. Her family and Rocky Mountain SER both released statements following Joeylin’s death.
Her aunt, Caitlyn Valdez, shared a statement with KDRO that reads in part:
“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. 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.”
Rocky Mountain SER also released a statement to the news station sharing, “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.”
Joeylin was one of six children and a beloved member of the Colorado pageant community. Family friend Leigh Hagin shared a fundraiser for the McDonalds on Facebook. She asked the community to help Joeylin’s parents, Jeremy McDonald and Lauren McDonald.
“The family kindly asks for privacy and peace as they process this devastating loss. They will share details in time, when they’re ready,” she wrote in her post. “Right now, they simply need space to grieve surrounded by those closest to them. If you feel moved to give, thank you. Your kindness means more than you know.”
The case remains under investigation.
