High school senior drowned attempting to swim across Arizona lake

An 18-year-old high school senior drowned after attempting to swim across Canyon Lake in Arizona, just days before his graduation. Jaysyn Robles, a student at Imagine Prep in Coolidge, lost his life Friday afternoon, according to reports from AZ Family.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office confirmed that their Lake Patrol unit responded to the scene shortly before 1:00 p.m. Officials stated that Robles was swimming across the lake when he began to struggle. Witnesses at the lake attempted a rescue but could not reach him before he sank.

Lin Powell, who called 911 to report the emergency, described the harrowing scene. "I told them [911] at 12:45 p.m. when I called, get divers out here now," Powell said. He recounted watching Robles' friends and family desperately try to save him while he screamed for help. A dive team eventually recovered Robles' body.

Robles' family issued a heartbreaking statement via GoFundMe, emphasizing that he had his entire life ahead of him. "He was deeply loved by his family, friends, classmates, and especially by his little sister and his mom, who are now facing an unimaginable loss," the statement read.

Peter Blind, a longtime friend of the victim, shared that Robles was eager to graduate and start working. "He was really excited to graduate; he was ready to start working. He had a whole lot of different ideas of what to do. He thought about piloting, going to Africa even," Blind said. Blind added that he had spent half his life with Robles and now must walk to receive his diploma alone.

Robles was less than two weeks away from earning his diploma on May 20th. His family described him as an athlete who played football, wrestling, and soccer, and noted that he was loved by everyone around him. "He was athletic, outgoing, funny, and had the kind of smile and energy that could light up any room," his family said. "More than anything, Jaysyn was just a genuinely good kid."

The family continued, "He was always checking on people, making everyone laugh, and showing up for the people he cared about. He had such a big heart and the kind of presence that made people gravitate toward him." They expressed their devastation, noting that Robles loved his family deeply, particularly his younger sister. "Right now we're just trying to take things moment by moment and support each other through this unimaginable pain," they said.

In response to the tragedy, Imagine Prep at Coolidge released a statement on Saturday expressing their devastation over the loss. The school announced that they are offering grief counselors and support staff to assist students on campus.