What started as a sunny day out on the water ended in heartbreak for the loved ones of 20-year-old Ashley Gil.
She was enjoying a ride on a jet ski with friends at Lake Houston, sharing joyful moments with her boyfriend just hours before the unthinkable happened.
Ashley had sent a short, happy video to her boyfriend, Jason Campos Rodriquez, that morning—smiling and cruising across the lake while wearing a life jacket.
But by the time authorities recovered her body, she was no longer wearing one.
Boyfriend Speaks Out After Shocking Loss
Jason was out of town for work when he got the devastating call that Ashley had fallen into the water and never resurfaced.
Speaking to ABC13, he admitted something felt off from the very beginning.
“My motive here is understanding everything that happened,” Jason said.
“Right away I got a feeling that something’s not right.”
He recounted a conversation with a nearby fisherman, who reportedly said the people Ashley had been with didn’t act with urgency after she vanished into the water.
“They didn’t even pay attention,” Jason said the man told him.
“They didn’t even know when or where they lost her.”
Ashley Was Known for Being Cautious
Jason, still processing the tragedy, told KHOU that Ashley wasn’t someone who took unnecessary risks.
“She was careful and cautious,” he said, which made her sudden death even harder to comprehend.
“When someone with so much potential is taken so soon… it’s just heartbreaking,” he added. “It’s difficult to accept she’s gone.”
Authorities Confirm Discovery of Ashley’s Body
Ashley’s body was found on Thursday near Alexander Deussen Park, and the news was confirmed by Commissioner Rodney Ellis.
In a public statement, he shared his condolences:
“I am deeply saddened to learn that the young woman who went missing on Lake Houston has been found deceased,” Ellis said.
“My heart goes out to her family, her loved ones, and everyone affected by this tragic loss.”
Details Surrounding the Accident
Earlier in the week, Houston Police confirmed Ashley had been one of three people riding the jet ski.
For reasons still unclear, she fell into the water and didn’t come back up.
Despite having worn a life jacket earlier—as seen in the video she sent Jason—officials believe she wasn’t wearing one at the time of the accident.
The park was temporarily closed on Wednesday as search teams scoured the area.
It reopened Thursday after Ashley’s body was recovered.
Family Launches Fundraiser to Cope with Tragedy
In the wake of her death, Ashley’s grieving family created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs and provide financial support, especially for her mother.
By Friday, the fundraiser had already raised more than $6,500.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic loss of my beloved sister, Ashley Gil,” her family wrote in the campaign post.
“Ashley was a bright light—full of love, laughter, and kindness.”
They described her as someone whose energy and compassion touched everyone she met, and said the void she leaves behind is immeasurable.
A Call for Support and Prayers
The family also made a heartfelt plea to the community:
“We are starting this GoFundMe to support our family during this incredibly difficult time.
Any amount—no matter how small—will help.”
They encouraged those who couldn’t donate to simply share the campaign and keep Ashley’s loved ones in their prayers.