A disembodied head that washed ashore in South Florida has been identified as that of a teen boy who disappeared after saving his sister from drowning.
Victor Enrique Castaneda Jr., 19, and his young sister---who has not been named---went into the ocean for a swim at South Point Beach in the early evening of Saturday. The pair were later overtaken by a rip current.
The sister was able to make it to safety, but Victor vanished, according to NBC Miami.
Saving His Sister
Marcus Pearson, a witness, said he was approached by a person who was seemingly looking for a lifeguard. He also noted that he heard someone screaming, "Where's my brother? He didn't come back out."
Two Samaritans had gone into the water to help the siblings. They were able to get the teen's younger sister to safety. However, Victor had vanished from sight.
Recalling the incident, Victor's older sister Jessica Castaneda told WTVJ that the 19-year-old threw his sister in hopes of helping her get out of the rip current. That was the last time anyone saw Victor alive.
"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," she said.
Finding the Teen's Head
Miami Beach Police searched for Victor in the water Saturday and Sunday but eventually suspended their efforts. On Tuesday, a beach worker in Key Biscayne discovered the teen's head washed ashore.
Authorities and a medical examiner have confirmed that the disembodied head belonged to Victor, whom his older sister said was the "kindest person" she knew. In addition, they had also confirmed that remains found near Key Biscayne the same day belonged to the heroic teen, per PEOPLE.
Police have yet to release information about the cause and manner of death for Victor but noted that there are no signs pointing to foul play. This echoes statements made by the police last week when they said the case was not being investigated as a homicide.
The teen's young sister was rushed to the hospital for evaluation. She is in good health.
