COOLIDGE, Ariz. — Friends, family members, and classmates gathered Tuesday evening at Imagine Prep Coolidge to honor the life of 18-year-old Jaysyn Robles, a student-athlete who drowned at Canyon Lake just days before his high school graduation.
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According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Robles was attempting to swim across a cove at Canyon Lake on Friday afternoon when he drowned. Deputies said nearby people attempted to save him but were unsuccessful.
The loss has devastated the Coolidge community, where Robles spent most of his life. School officials said he began attending Imagine Prep Coolidge in kindergarten and participated in multiple activities, including wrestling, soccer, and football.
“Jaysyn was the light of the room, whatever room he walked into,” the principal at Imagine Prep Coolidge shared during Tuesday night’s candlelight vigil.
Loved ones remembered Robles as someone who brought energy and joy to those around him. One parent who traveled with the football team recalled his involvement in school sports.
“He was a part of the team. And I went, and I traveled a lot of times with the team to encourage them,” Ruth Morago said.
Robles was set to graduate in just over a week, making the tragedy even more painful for those closest to him.
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“It’s just really hard right now, you know. And I just know that God is the one that’s uplifting all of us,” Morago, who came to leave flowers and a graduation balloon for the Robles family, said.
Morago described Robles as a student who stood out among his peers.
“I said, this kid is very out of the box, you know. And he always made everybody smile, and he like he was the party, you know, he was a cool kid, man. So, I couldn’t wait for him to cross the stage,” Morago said.
As the community continues to grieve, friends and family members said they are holding onto memories of Robles’ spirit and personality.
“Jaysyn’s in a better place. You know, he’s watching everybody, has the best seat in the house, you know. I believe in his spirit is going to be here. He’s going to live on forever, you know, just like an eagle, he’s going to fly high,” another mourner said.
The vigil was organized by Imagine Prep Coolidge. School administrators said they plan to continue honoring Robles’ memory during upcoming graduation events.
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