### Tragic Discovery: Missing Swimmer's Head Found on South Florida Shore

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the head of a young swimmer who went missing off Miami Beach has been identified as that of 19-year-old Victor Enrique Castaneda Jr. Castaneda vanished after bravely attempting to save his younger sister from a powerful rip current.

The tragic incident occurred near a jetty on November 9, prompting an extensive but ultimately unsuccessful search by both local officials and the U.S. Coast Guard. On November 12, a beach worker on Key Biscayne—a barrier island just off the coast of Miami—found a man's head, which was subsequently identified as Castaneda’s by the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner on Friday. The cause and manner of Castaneda's death have yet to be determined.

Castaneda and his sister were enjoying a swim at Miami Beach's South Point Beach when a rip current ensnared them. Though a bystander managed to rescue his sister, they were unable to save Castaneda, who disappeared beneath the waves, according to family members.

To honor Castaneda's memory, family and friends gathered at the beach for a memorial service on Saturday. In a touching tribute, two Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue boats sprayed water cannons. Castaneda’s sisters, wearing "Forever 19" shirts, expressed their gratitude for the community's overwhelming support during this difficult time.

"He would have loved to see how many people have come and come together and love him wholeheartedly," Chloe Castaneda told WBFS-TV. Another sister, Jessica, reflected on her brother's remarkable character, stating, "My brother was an amazing, amazing person and to know him was to love him. He couldn't have been more perfect. The most kind person I've ever known."

Victor Enrique Castaneda Jr., one of eight children, is remembered as a compassionate and selfless individual, whose act of bravery will never be forgotten.