The human head that washed ashore belongs to a 19-year-old swimmer who was caught in the current, police say

SOUTH POINTE BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) – Police have confirmed that a human head found on a Florida beach belonged to a missing 19-year-old swimmer.

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner confirmed Friday that the remains belonged to 19-year-old Victor Castaneda Jr. He went missing on November 9 when he and his 17-year-old sister were caught in a rip current at South Pointe Beach.

Victor Castaneda managed to save his sister, but was then pulled back by the current. His head washed up on a beach in Key Biscayne on Tuesday.

Victor Castaneda Jr. died after he and his 17-year-old sister got caught in a rip current at a… — Victor Castaneda Jr. died after he and his 17-year-old sister became entangled in a rip current on a Florida beach. The 19-year-old’s family calls him a hero and says he saved his sister before his death.(Source: GoFundMe)

“I do know that my brother was in the water with my sister and saved her life. He is a hero,” said the victim’s sister, Chloe Castaneda.

Miami Beach police extended their condolences to the 19-year-old’s family and offered to provide them with support during this difficult time.

A GoFundMe has been set up to assist the family with funeral expenses.