Friends and family are holding tightly to memories of a young life full of promise after the tragic drowning of 19-year-old Jayden Pinder on Boxing Day.
Jayden, described by those who knew him as loving, energetic, and full of light, died after a jet ski incident off West Bay Street. Police say Jayden was riding a jet ski with another man when a wave caused both to be thrown into the water. While both were rescued, emergency medical personnel were unable to resuscitate Jayden.
“He was a loving and fun person to be around,” recalled Anishka Cox, one of many friends now struggling to process the sudden loss.
Jayden was an only child, cherished by his family. His mother, Janeile Pinder, acknowledged her son’s death in a brief but heartbreaking message shared on social media.
“Please just keep my family in your prayers during this difficult time,” she wrote.
Terrio Hall, who witnessed the incident, said he stood nearby praying as medics worked desperately to save Jayden’s life.
Tributes have poured in from across the community, particularly from the Junior Baseball League of Nassau (JBLN), where Jayden once played. In a statement, the organization described him as “an outstanding player, boat captain, and friend.”
His aunt, Sabriquet Butler, spoke of a young man who lived with energy and joy.
“This pain is so great,” she wrote, “but God, we know that You are our strength.”
Friends continue to remember Jayden not just for how he died, but for how he lived.
“I will always cherish our time together at Sam’s house last Christmas,” Cox shared.
“He was full of light and very humorous,” said Shaniah Kemp, while Rose Taylor remembered him simply as “a loving son.”
Robyn Davis recalled Jayden’s infectious spirit on and off the field.
“I will never forget his jolly spirit. I have so many memories of him at the games and his biggest supporter, his mom, was never missing.”
Parish Simmons, who also knew Jayden through JBLN, described the loss as “a horrible tragedy,” while Derek Miller added, “This one hit hard. This is not going to be easy.”
One of the most touching tributes came from Audrey Johnson, who shared through tears that Jayden had recently visited her, excitedly talking about his future.
“He told me, ‘Mrs. Johnson, I did make it to be captain,” she recalled. “I told him how proud I was and said, ‘Now go to college and bloom.’”
Jayden previously attended Nassau Christian Academy. Naomi shared that her mother, now in Trinidad, was devastated by the news.
“My mother loved Jayden so much,” she wrote. “She called me all the way from Trinidad to tell me. Our family is praying for you.”
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