Teen loses his life saving four young kids fro

Teen Hero Bryce Brooks Remembered for Selfless Sacrifice

In April 2023, 16-year-old Bryce Brooks from Atlanta made the ultimate sacrifice while saving four children caught in a

dangerous rip current in Pensacola, Florida. On a family vacation,

Bryce saw the kids struggling in the water and didn’t hesitate to jump in.

“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,” said his father, Shivy Brooks.

Bryce was pulled under and died from cardiac arrest.

The area had no lifeguards, and yellow flags warned of strong currents that day.

Family friend Charles “Uncle Chuck” Johnson also entered the water to help Bryce and lost his life trying to save him.

“That he would give up his life in an attempt to save Bryce’s life; it’s everything I expect and I know about that man,” said Shivy.

A Father’s Pain and Pride

Shivy and his wife, Crystal, now live with unimaginable grief but immense pride.

“Bryce is a hero. He literally saved the lives of four kids at the expense of his own,” said Shivy.

“We’re never gonna get to see Bryce grow up… but we know that he stepped into his manhood to save these children.”

“It doesn’t take away an ounce of pain,” added Crystal, “but it makes me proud of our son and what he sacrificed.”

Honoring His Legacy

The family established the Bryce Brooks Foundation, offering free swim lessons and scholarships for lifeguard training. “Bryce has always been by my side to make impossible things, feasible,” Shivy wrote. “I just want my son to come home.”