An Arizona family is grieving the heartbreaking loss of an 18-year-old high school senior who drowned while trying to swim across a lake less than two weeks before graduation.
Jaysyn Robles died Friday at Canyon Lake after struggling in the water during a swim attempt that quickly turned tragic.
According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, deputies with the department’s Lake Patrol unit responded to reports of a drowning just before 1 p.m.
Officials said Robles, a senior at Imagine Prep at Coolidge, had been attempting to swim across the lake when he suddenly began struggling in the water.
Witnesses and loved ones nearby desperately tried to save him, but they were unable to reach him before he disappeared beneath the surface.
Lin Powell, a witness who called 911, said the scene was devastating.
“I told them at 12:45 p.m. when I called, get divers out here now,” Powell told local outlet AZ Family.
He also said he could hear the teen screaming for help while friends and family rushed into the water trying to rescue him.
A dive team later recovered Robles’ body.
The tragedy has left the teen’s family and classmates shattered, especially because he was so close to graduating.
In an emotional GoFundMe post, relatives described Robles as a beloved athlete and a bright young man with his entire future ahead of him.
“Jaysyn was only 18 years old and was supposed to graduate from Imagine Coolidge Prep on May 20th,” the family wrote.
“He played football, wrestling, and soccer, and was loved by everyone around him.”
Loved ones described him as athletic, funny, outgoing, and the kind of person who instantly lifted the mood in any room.
“He was always checking on people, making everyone laugh, and showing up for the people he cared about,” the family shared.
They also said Robles had a special bond with his little sister and deeply loved his family.
Longtime friend Peter Blind told reporters that Robles had been excited about graduating and making plans for the future.
“He was really excited to graduate; he was ready to start working,” Blind said. “He had a whole lot of different ideas of what to do. He thought about piloting, going to Africa even.”
Blind added that the two had spent much of their lives together and that now he’ll have to walk at graduation without his best friend by his side.
“Our family is completely heartbroken right now,” Robles’ relatives said.
“This loss has been devastating for our family and everyone who knew him.”
Following the tragedy, Imagine Prep at Coolidge released a statement saying the school community was devastated and that grief counselors and support staff would be available to students struggling with the loss.