MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — A severed head recently discovered on a South Florida beach has been confirmed to belong to a 19-year-old swimmer, who tragically went missing in Miami Beach while attempting to save his younger sister from a dangerous rip current, according to officials.
Victor Enrique Castaneda Jr. was last seen on November 9 near a jetty, prompting a search by local authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard that ultimately did not yield results. His sudden disappearance raised concerns among family and friends, who anxiously awaited news of his whereabouts.
On November 12, a beach worker in Key Biscayne found the head, located on the barrier island adjacent to Miami. On Friday, the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner confirmed that the remains belonged to Castaneda. However, details surrounding the cause and manner of his death have yet to be disclosed.
Castaneda had been enjoying a swim at South Point Beach with his sister when the two were pulled into the surf by a rip current. A nearby bystander managed to rescue the girl, but upon returning for Castaneda, he could not be located, as recounted by family members.
This past Saturday, friends and family held a memorial service on the beach to honor Castaneda’s life. Two Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue boats participated in the tribute, displaying water cannons in a celebratory gesture. Castaneda’s sisters wore shirts that read “Forever 19” and expressed their gratitude for the community’s support during this challenging time.
Chloe, one of Castaneda’s sisters, shared with local news station WBFS-TV, “He would have loved to see how many people have come together and love him wholeheartedly.” Her sister Jessica also paid tribute, 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.”
Castaneda was part of a large family, being one of eight siblings. The loss has reverberated through their community, highlighting the profound impact he made in his short life.