MISSION VIEJO, CA — The boyfriend of a 16-year-old Trabuco Hills High School soccer player killed in a summer jet ski crash is determined her legacy will live on.
Last week, incoming junior Sarina Vootkur, of Lake Forest, and a family friend, 13, of Illinois, both died after a boat crashed into their jet ski crash on Lake Marie in Illinois.
Sarina’s boyfriend, also a Trabuco Hills soccer player and student, organized a GoFundMe in her memory. According to the website, over $41,000 has been donated thus far.
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Jake and Sarina had known each other since they were children, and she shared in a TikTok post that the pair knew everything about each other. He described her as one of the most “goofy, loving, and caring people to ever grace this earth.”
According to Jake and her TikTok page, loved soccer, had suffered an injury to her foot, and was delayed in playing. Still, she was beloved by her team at Trabuco Hills High School.
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Their memory of the girl with soccer dreams was shared by her teammates in a statement: “Our hearts are broken. Sarina’s legacy will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.”
The fundraiser for the beloved Lake Forest girl rocketed up by the thousands, and is pushing toward its $50,000 goal.
“With the funds we get, we plan on holding a memorial and permanent remembrance to commemorate her in the way she deserves. She loved soccer, journaling, filming, editing, and wanted to be an English teacher,” he said. She was so special and gone way too soon.”
According to authorities, the Yamaha jet ski, driven by Vootkur, crashed at about 5:15 p.m. on June 18 as they headed north on Lake Marie in Antioch, Illinois, near a channel to Grass Lake.
Witnesses told police the jet ski was traveling at a high rate of speed directly toward a Sea Ray Cabin Cruiser, which was headed west in the same area, according to a news release from the coroner’s office. The boat’s driver, a 55-year-old Illinois man, could not avoid the crash, police indicated.
Both girls were wearing life jackets but were knocked unconscious and thrown into the water upon impact, authorities said. There were four people on the boat who immediately pulled the girls from the water, called 911 and provided aid, according to a news release.
One of the girls was taken to the shore by the operator of the Sea Ray and the other girl was transported by the operator of another passing boat, authorities said. Both girls were transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and both were pronounced deceased after arriving. The crash remains under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and Illinois Conservation Police.
Jake says the support for the fundraiser has been “incredible” and has asked for ideas on how to keep her memory alive.
“This is so appreciated by me and her family. It is incredible how much we were able to accomplish in one day, but she still deserves so much more,” he wrote. “I appreciate everyone who has helped throughout this process. Please message me with any ideas on how to cement her legacy.”
To donate, visit the Fundraiser To Support Sarina’s Legacy.
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