Photo Courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An Atlanta teen, Bryce Brooks, and a family friend, Charles Johnson II, both lost their lives during a trip to Pensacola, Florida.
The incident occurred in an area of Perdido Key where no lifeguards were stationed, and the beach was filled with people.
16-year-old Brooks, who was visiting on spring break with his relatives jumped into action to rescue four younger children stuck in an undercurrent. The heroic rescue ultimately ended in tragedy when the high school student and Uncle “Chuck” drowned while attempting to save the children.
Brooks was able to retrieve the four children from the ocean before they were overcome by the undercurrent. Johnson II went into the water to save Brooks but ultimately, drowned.
Adults on the beach were able to retrieve both Bryce and Johnson from the ocean who were airlifted to the hospital where they later died.
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Brooks and Johnson’s deaths have left their families, friends, and the Pensacola community in shock and grief.
Brooks’ stepfather, Shivy Brooks, spoke during a press conference streamed by Fox 5 Atlanta, describing the selflessness of his son’s heroic act.
“The selflessness that it takes for someone to make such a sacrifice, to do so at only the age of 16, we’re so proud as parents how our son has shown up in this moment,” he said. “Bryce is a hero. He literally saved the lives of four kids at the expense of his own, and the world should know.”
Brooks’ mother, Crystal said, “We’re never gonna get to see Bryce grow up to be the full man that he was going to be,” Crystal said. “But, we know that he stepped into his manhood to save these children, and that makes me proud. It doesn’t take away an ounce of pain, but it makes me proud of our son.”
Brooks was an honor roll student at Maynard Jackson High School in Atlanta. He was a member of his school’s fashion club, he loved to make music and he always took care of his friends and little brother.
“Let it be amplified that Atlanta-developed kids would give up their lives for other kids that they didn’t even know,” the parents said.
Brooks leaves behind his parents and a younger brother while Johnson leaves behind three sons and a wife.