19-Year-Old Saves Sister Before Drowning, Says His Family: ‘Died a Hero’

Mar. 15, 2025

Victor Castaneda (center).Photo:GoFundMe

GoFundMe

A family is hailing their loved one as a hero after the 19-year-old man apparently drowned while saving his younger sister in Miami Beach.

A witness, Marcus Pearson, told Fox affiliateWSVNthat someone approached him as they were trying to find a lifeguard.

“I heard screaming, but I think the people they were with on the shoreline didn’t know they were in trouble,” Pearson said. “And he said a bunch of us went into the water, and somebody didn’t come back out. There was a young lady that was part of the group, and she was screaming, ‘Where’s my brother? Where’s my brother? He didn’t come back out. Where is my brother?’ So at that point, we knew there was somebody still missing in the water.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Jessica said that her siblings were struggling in the water.

WSVN reported that authorities searched for Castaneda on Saturday, Nov. 9, and Sunday, Nov. 10, but were unsuccessful. They resumed their search in the water on Monday, Nov. 11.

“I’m just devastated,” said Victor Castaneda Sr., the victim’s father, according to WSVN. “There’s not much to say.”

“They say his body could’ve traveled south and we’re just hoping somebody sees him out in the water," she added. “We just really want to bring him home.”

AGoFundMewas created on behalf of Castaneda’s family to pay for the 19-year-old’s funeral and burial expenses.

“He died a hero, using all his strength to save his sister from drowning,” read the fundraiser description. “Even before this, Victor was a hero in every sense. He sacrificed his dreams to join the army, all to provide a home for his family. Serving others was always his true calling.”

“Even in his absence, Victor continues to protect and serve his family,” the description later added.

PEOPLE contacted the Miami Beach Police Department and the GoFundMe organizer on Wednesday, Nov. 13, for additional information.

source: people.com