A severed head that was found on a beach in South Florida has been identified as belonging to a young man who had recently saved his sister from drowning.
The gruesome find was made on Tuesday, November 12, by a beach worker in Key Biscayne while they were on their regular path and stumbled upon the head lying on the sand.
This discovery followed the disappearance of a 19-year-old from the area on November 9, after efforts to locate him over the following three days proved unfruitful.
Victor Enrique Castaneda Jr. and his younger sister had been seen entering the ocean at South Point Beach in the early evening that Saturday.
The Miami Herald reports that the siblings were caught in a rip current, resulting in them shouting for assistance as they struggled against the tide.
Though bystanders were able to rescue Castaneda’s sister, the teenager himself could not be located, according to WTVJ.
Their older sister, Jessica, recounted to the outlet that her siblings ‘had just gotten in the water’ as dusk fell, and the current took hold.
Jessica told the station: “They became distressed and yelling for help.
“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,” she added.
Jessica further expressed that her brother ‘died a hero.’
Initially, before identifying the head as Castaneda Jr.’s, Det. Andre Martin of the Miami-Dade Police Department informed PEOPLE: “At this point we’re not discounting any possibility.
“This could be an accident or missing person, it’s too early to tell the circumstances.”
By Friday, November 15, the Miami-Dade Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that the severed head belonged to Castaneda Jr.
The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner also verified that the remains were those of the teen, as reported by CBS News and the Miami Herald.
Cmdr. Shantell Mitchell, spokesperson for the department, stated: “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.”
Although the cause of death has not been confirmed, a police spokesperson told NBC News that no foul play is suspected.
On Facebook, tributes poured in for the late teen, with Jessica writing: “The pain I’m left with is insurmountable.
“My heart is completely and irreparably shattered. Your absence will never be accepted. No words could ever describe how much I love you Victor. To the top of the highest mountain and to the depths deeper than the titanic, I love you little brother. I love you so much.”
She continued: “I will miss you every second of every minute of every single day for the rest of my life.
“I will dream of your smile and your infectious laugh until I find you in the next life, in every life I will find you.”