Pueblo Police confirm death of 13-year-old after she fell through attic at youth event

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) - The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) says they are investigating the death of a 13-year-old girl after she reportedly fell 25 feet through the attic floor.

PPD says the investigation is ongoing, but they have not determined whether it is a criminal matter.

Police say they were called out on Friday night at around 7 p.m. to the Rocky Mountain SER after-school head start program. Officers said they found the 13-year-old dead at the scene.

Police confirm she was with a group of juveniles when it happened.

KRDO13 is in touch with the victim's family, who have identified her as Joeylin Kenley McDonald. They provided the following photos:

RMSER provided KRDO13 with the following statement:

"It is with profoundly broken hearts that we at RMSER mournfully acknowledge the heartbreaking news of a tragic loss within our community. On Friday evening, during a Youth Kickback event at the RMSER Pueblo Empowerment Center & Resilience Hub, 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 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."

According to their website, RMSER has four "Empowerment Centers," including one location in Pueblo.

This is the statement the McDonald family released to KRDO13 today:

"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 Charter in Pueblo. She is all about education like her mama. This coming weekend her team will be competing at State history day competition. Joeylin has many friends who honored her at school today by wearing her favorite color, 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, in 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."

- Caitlyn Valdez, aunt

Joeylin leaves behind five siblings, two parents and extended family.

To add to the meal train or donate to the family, click here.