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 disappeared Nov. 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 swept away by the current. His head washed up on a Key Biscayne beach Tuesday.

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

The Miami Beach Police Department expressed its condolences to the 19-year-old’s family and offered to support them during this difficult time.

A GoFundMe was set up to help the family with funeral expenses.

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