Not all heroes have superpowers and wear capes. Most are everyday people doing what they think is best in the moment, with no regard for their own well-being. Sixteen-year-old Bryce Brooks was a hero, as was his family friend Charles Johnson II.
Bryce jumped into the ocean to save four children who were strangers to him. Charles jumped in to save Bryce. Both lost their lives trying to save others while on a spring break trip in Pensacola, Florida.
Bryce’s parents, mom Crystal Brooks and stepfather Shivy Brooks, want the world to know about this brave young man. They are both grieving and proud of Bryce. They hope his story inspires others to be of service to their communities.
“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,” Shivy said. “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. He literally saved the lives of four kids at the expense of his own and the world should know,” he went on to say.
Other adults present at the tragic incident were able to retrieve Bryce and Charles from the ocean. Lifesaving measures were performed. They were both airlifted to a local hospital where they were declared dead. Bryce’s cause of death was cardiac arrest, according to Shivy.
Bryce leaves behind his parents and a younger brother. Charles was a married father of three. Both will be greatly missed.
This tragedy took place at Perdido Key, in a section of the key where no lifeguards are stationed. This might have contributed to the incident.
“What I want the world to know about our son and Uncle Chuck is that one thing is for sure is they loved each other,” said mom Crystal. Love is the answer to most questions in the universe, even the sad ones.
