Family members come together to honor a swimmer who was hailed as a hero after being discovered dead after going missing on South Beach
Miami Beach, Florida – The life of a young man who went missing while swimming on Miami Beach was tragically remembered by dozens of friends and family members.
On Saturday, dozens of people gathered on South Beach to commemorate the life of Victor Castaneda Jr., and a blown-up photograph of him was illuminated by the night sky.
In the 19-year-old’s remembrance, loved ones released doves said prayers, and watched a fireworks show after the sun had set.
According to Chloe and Jessica Castaneda, two of his sisters, “all of his friends came.” To know my brother was to truly love him; he was a truly remarkable individual.
The tribute was held on Nov. 9 at South Pointe Beach, where Victor vanished while swimming with his pals.
According to witnesses, Victor saved the life of his younger sister who was out there with him when he and a group of friends became entangled in a rip current.
Chloe remarked, “Let’s never forget that my brother was a hero.”
Since that night, rescue teams from a number of organizations, including the US Coast Guard, have been looking for him without success.
Officers found remains washed up on a beach in Key Biscayne on Tuesday. Later, a medical examiner verified that it was Castaneda.
All of us are devastated. “My heart is utterly and irrevocably broken,” Jessica stated.
The mother of Victor’s best buddy, Elaine Lugo, remarked, “He’s a special kid, a special kid.”
According to Victor’s closest friends and family, they will always remember him as a bright spot, a witty, compassionate person who was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.
“He was in the spotlight in every room he entered,” Jessica remarked. “That’s the best way I can describe him; he was a star.”
As his loved ones embraced him, the love for Victor was evident.
Jessica remarked, “I find solace in the possibility that he was simply too good for this world.”
There is a GoFundMe page set up for Victor’s family if you would like to contribute to their funeral costs.
