Bryce Brooks, a 16-year-old from Atlanta, drowned while saving four children from dangerous rip currents in Florida. His family calls him a hero and has created a foundation in his name to promote water safety.
Teen Hero Drowns While Saving Four Children From Rip Currents
A family in Atlanta continues to honor the legacy of their teenage son, Bryce Brooks, who drowned in 2023 while saving four younger children from powerful rip currents during a trip to Pensacola, Florida.
Bryce, just 16 years old, was on vacation with friends when he saw children struggling in the water. Without hesitation, he rushed into the ocean to help.
“He called for help — not for himself”
According to his father, Shivy Brooks, Bryce focused only on the children’s safety, even as he struggled in the strong currents himself.
“Our son Bryce, while being pulled by currents himself, literally called for help, but not for himself — he was calling for help for the little kids he was looking out for,” Shivy said during a press conference.
Sadly, Bryce was pulled under the water in an unguarded beach area. Despite rescue efforts and being airlifted to a hospital, he died from cardiac arrest on April 6, 2023.
A close family friend, Charles “Uncle Chuck” Johnson II, also lost his life trying to save Bryce. Johnson, a husband and father of three, was remembered as a man who always looked after others.
Family’s grief and pride
Bryce’s parents say the pain of losing him is “immeasurable,” but they remain proud of his sacrifice.
“Bryce is a hero. He literally saved the lives of four kids at the expense of his own,” his father said.
His mother, Crystal, added: “It doesn’t take away an ounce of pain, but it makes me proud of our son and what he sacrificed. And I’ll forever hold that.”
On social media, Shivy has continued to share emotional tributes to his son, marking birthdays, Father’s Day, and heartbreaking moments such as telling Bryce’s younger brother that he would not be coming home.
Carrying forward his legacy
In Bryce’s honor, his family launched the Bryce Brooks Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to water safety and drowning prevention. The foundation provides free swimming lessons for children and adults, as well as scholarships for lifeguard certification.
Recently, the foundation awarded its first six scholarships to help teens with college expenses — including one given to Johnson’s son.
For Shivy and Crystal, the work ensures their son’s bravery will never be forgotten.
“Bryce was always my hero,” Shivy shared. “We’re never gonna get to see Bryce grow up to be the full man he was going to be. But he stepped into his manhood to save these children — and that makes me proud.”