Victor Enrique Castaneda Jr, 19, and his younger sister went missing in a rip current off South Pointe Beach in Miami Beach on November 9 after the pair went swimming
A human head found on a Florida beach belongs to a heroic teenage boy who vanished after saving his younger sister from drowning, according to police.
Victor Enrique Castaneda Jr, 19, and his younger sibling went missing in a rip current off South Pointe Beach in Miami Beach on November 9 after the pair went swimming.
Police in Miami searched for two days for the siblings before suspending their search efforts. A beach worker tragically discovered the teen’s head after it washed ashore on Tuesday. The medical examiner made the confirmation that it was Castaneda.
Miami Police said in a statement: “The Miami Beach Police Department extends prayers and condolences to the family. Our victim advocates will continue to provide support to the family during this time.”
Heartbroken older sister Jessica Castaneda paid tribute to her hero brother, speaking to NBC: “My brother was the kindest person I know and hardworking. He was an amazing student. He had so many dreams. He was gonna enlist in the Navy.”
According to Jessica, Victor and his little sister, who has not been named, had entered into the water around 6pm when they started to get in trouble. The pair pleaded for help and two beach-goers were able to pull the younger sibling out of the water.
“They were struggling for a long time,” Jessica said. “He said his concerns to my sister while they were struggling, just trying to get out. Before he was submerged, he threw my sister, because he told her they were gonna die, and he threw her, and that was the last she saw of him. So my brother died a hero.”
The younger sister was taken to hospital but was in a “good condition”, according to authorities. Cops are investigating the teenager’s death but no foul play is suspected. “This is an open investigation in collaboration with Miami Dade Police Department, and no further information will be provided at this time,” Miami Police stated.
On Saturday, family and friends gathered at the beach for a memorial service to celebrate the young man’s life. Two Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue boats fired water cannons in an honorary show, the Miami Herald reported. Wearing “Forever 19” shirts, Castaneda’s sisters told news outlets they were grateful for the outpouring of support for their family.