Teen Hero Bryce Brooks Remembered After Drowning While Saving Children in Florida

Pensacola, FL – Sixteen-year-old Bryce Brooks, a high school student from Atlanta, tragically drowned while rescuing four children caught in dangerous rip currents during a family vacation in Florida.

A Heroic Act of Courage

According to his father, Shivy Brooks, Bryce and his friends saw younger children struggling in the water. Without hesitation, Bryce and two others jumped in to save them.

“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,” his father told People.

Tragically, Bryce was pulled under. Family friend Charles Johnson II, affectionately known as “Uncle Chuck,” also rushed in to help but was pulled under as well. Both were later airlifted to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

Family and Community in Mourning

The Brooks family described Bryce as an honor roll student, a music lover, and a proud member of his school’s fashion club. He was also deeply devoted to his younger brother.

His mother, Crystal Brooks, said:

“We’re never gonna get to see Bryce grow up to be the full man that he was going to be. 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.”

The Atlanta community honored Bryce with a balloon release at Maynard Jackson High School, where classmates and teachers celebrated his bravery and remembered his kindness.

A Lasting Legacy

The Brooks family appeared in the Netflix show Instant Dream Home, where their home was secretly renovated. Today, their focus is on continuing Bryce’s legacy.

The non-profit Bryce Brooks Foundation was created to promote water safety and drowning prevention. Its mission includes providing free swimming lessons for children and adults, as well as scholarships to help teenagers become certified lifeguards.

So far, the foundation has awarded six college scholarships, including one to Uncle Chuck’s son, ensuring that both heroes’ legacies live on.

Community Support

The organization Get Your Teach On set up a fundraiser for the Brooks family, which has raised more than $78,000. Supporters across the nation have rallied to honor Bryce’s bravery and provide comfort to his grieving loved ones.

Bryce’s story is a reminder of the power of selflessness, courage, and community—and his legacy will continue to inspire countless others.