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Bryce Brooks: 'Hero' 16-year-old dies rescuing 4 children trapped in undercurrent at Florida beach

'He literally saved the lives of four kids at the expense of his own and the world should know,' Bryce's stepfather said

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA: Atlanta teen Bryce Brooks and an older family friend named Charles Johnson II died after they heroically intervened to save four younger children who were caught in an undercurrent. The grieving family reported on Monday, April 10 that Bryce was in Pensacola, Florida, visiting family over spring break when he tragically died.

Bryce slid underwater during the remarkable rescue, and Johnson rushed to save a high school student. Shivy Brooks, Bryce's stepfather, confirmed at a news conference that Johnson also died, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Shivy stated, "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. Let it be amplified that Atlanta developed kids that would give up their life for others that they didn't even know."

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'Bryce is a hero'

Shivy stated, "Bryce is a hero. He literally saved the lives of four kids at the expense of his own and the world should know." The incident took place in a section of Perdido Key where there were no lifeguards on duty, according to WPMI.

Shivy claimed that other adults on the beach were able to save the adult and the teen and take measures to save their lives, according to Atlanta Journal-Constitution. They were airlifted to a hospital but later pronounced dead. Bryce's death was reportedly due to a heart attack.

Friends of Bryce's family have set up a GoFundMe page to help them financially while they cope with his death. There are currently no publicly known funeral arrangements. The GoFundMe was able to raise $75,469 with over 1000 donations from people all over the country.

'World needs more like him'

Bryce's family stated that Johnson, whom Bryce called Uncle Chuck, leaves behind three sons and a wife, while Bryce leaves behind his parents and a younger sibling. Many people have reacted to the incident on Twitter, with one writing, "Everyone has their purpose in this life thing, ig this was his path... R.I.P little god."

Another wrote, "May God bless his selfless soul! RIP." A third noted, "That's sad. The kid died a hero. I wish he'd lived. The world needs more people like him." Another tweeted, "Sometimes you jus gotta mind ur business ngl."

"As a former firefighter and rescue technician and EMT-P my sincere heart goes out to the family of this hero! I never had the courage for water rescue and this man; he did what it meant service before self," someone else noted.

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