Head found floating on Florida beach identified as belonging to missing swimmer, 19

A human head found washed ashore and floating near the shoreline of a town in Florida on Nov. 12 has since been identified as belonging to 19-year-old Victor Enrique Castaneda Jr, Associated Press reported.

Seen struggling while swimming

He was reported missing on Nov. 9 after he and his sister were seen struggling in the water.

The siblings were swimming at South Pointe Drive in Miami Beach when a rip current caught them.

A Good Samaritan bystander went into the water and rescued the sister, but could not get to Castaneda when he went back for the young man, who disappeared near the jetty area.

A three-hour search ensued, which involved the U.S. Coast Guard, but his body was not found.

Beach worker found head

On Nov. 12 morning, a beach worker spotted a human head floating close to a small island with a town near Key Biscayne in Florida, it was reported on Nov. 13.

A homicide investigations team was called in.

The Miami Beach police confirmed Castaneda's identity on Nov. 16 after the head was analysed.

Investigators said there were no signs of criminal activity, Miami Herald reported, but did not rule out foul play.

The authorities were reportedly trying to figure out if a marine animal attack or a boating accident might have caused the young man's remains to become dismembered.

Appealed for help

On the same day Castaneda’s head was recovered, his older sister Jessica Castaneda appealed on social media for those out at sea to keep a lookout for her brother.

It was unclear if she was aware that investigators had recovered a body part from the sea.

A day later, she shared her grief about her missing brother.

Memorial

On Nov. 16, friends and family held a memorial service at the beach to honour Castaneda's life.

Castaneda's sisters wore "Forever 19" shirts during his memorial, sharing their grief and gratitude for the support they have received.

“My brother was an amazing, amazing person, and to know him was to love him,” his sister Jessica told WBFS-TV.

“He couldn’t have been more perfect. The most kind person I’ve ever known.”

Top photos via Castaneda's family