Westfield Rallies After Cancer Survivor Dies While Snorkeling

WESTFIELD, NJ - Rodney Jinkins beat cancer. He was a small business owner-operator who moved to Westfield to start a family and give his children a better life in a community that cares for one another. Jinkins' twin eight-year-olds were enrolled in McKinley School and his family vacationed often on the water.

Rodney lived his life, even as his family has dealt with insurance issues since he was a cancer survivor.

And now, he is gone.

Last Thursday, while vacationing in Florida, Jinkins died suddenly snorkeling off Key Largo. Now, the community is being asked to assist his family as they adjust to the loss.

"In his early 30's, he won the battle against Hodgkins Lymphoma, but being a cancer survivor makes it very difficult to get a life insurance plan that can provide any type of substantial support for a family," Mary Oppel wrote on the GoFundMe page established for Jinkins' family. "The family needs community support to help financially with unexpected costs, funeral expenses and immediate needs for the family."

Monroe County Sheriff's spokesman Adam Linhardt told Patch that Jinkins, 49, lost consciousness while snorkeling with his family off John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo last Thursday.

According to the incident report, Jinkins, his two 8-year-old children and niece were on the water for about 30 to 45 minutes when someone yelled that Jinkins being unconscious in the water.

The mate of the boat they were on, Douglas Mitchell Pearce, said in the report he heard Jinkins' son yell for help and immediately dove in to render aid. Jinkins was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

"Sadly this is the kind of thing that happens down here a lot," Linhardt said.

According to the Westfield Floors business website, Jinkins is the owner-operator of the business, which has been providing floor care services in New Jersey for over 20 years.

"Rodney and his wife Lori moved to Westfield to start a family and give their children a better life in a community with people that care for one another," Oppel said. "Collectively we are this community and can show support and care for the Jinkins family by meeting their imminent needs."

According to Oppel, the money will go to serving the immediate needs of the family.

The community has responded with their support and condolences.

"So sorry for your loss," Suzanne Pye wrote on the GoFundMe page. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Rachel Lamb, who lived near the Jinkins, shared her thoughts on the page as well. "Forever in our hearts, Rodney," Lamb said. "You and Lori were the greatest neighbors."

A chorus of sympathy and prayers were posted to the page, including some who have gone through loss like this firsthand.

"I know how difficult it is to raise your children alone financially, physically, and mentally," Allison Fiorino said. "My heart breaks for them."

The hope is that this compassion leads to generosity for the Jinkins family.

"The loss of a husband and father has been devastating for the family," Oppel said. "We need to gather the support and generosity of our community to help the family in this time of need."

The GoFundMe page can be found here.

(Photo courtesy of GoFundMe, a Patch promotional parter)

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