The death of a young person is always difficult for a community to process, especially when that loss follows an act of extraordinary courage. Such is the case of Bryce Brooks, a 16-year-old from Atlanta whose life ended during an attempt to help four younger children caught in dangerous coastal currents while vacationing with his family in Florida. Although the events of that day in 2023 brought profound grief to his loved ones, Bryce’s family has chosen to focus on the legacy he left behind — one defined by generosity, responsibility, and a willingness to help others.
A Family Vacation Takes a Tragic Turn
During a family trip to Pensacola, Bryce and several friends noticed a group of children struggling in the water. The area had moderate current warnings posted, according to local reports, and it was not monitored by lifeguards. Still, many families were enjoying the shoreline when the situation unfolded.
According to Bryce’s father, Shivy Brooks, the teenagers realized the four younger children were having trouble staying above the surface. Without hesitation, Bryce and two of his friends made the decision to enter the water to help. Their instinct was to act quickly, driven by concern rather than caution.
At a press conference following the incident, Shivy explained that his son had not thought of himself first: “Our son Bryce, while being pulled by currents himself, literally called for help — but he wasn’t calling for himself. He was calling for the little kids he was looking out for.”
While attempting to assist the group, Bryce was overtaken by the conditions, despite his efforts and the efforts of those around him. A close family friend, Charles “Uncle Chuck” Johnson II, entered the water in an attempt to help Bryce, demonstrating the same instinct to protect others.
A Father’s First Message: Hope and Uncertainty
Immediately after the incident, Shivy shared a video on social media as he and his wife drove toward the hospital where Bryce and Johnson had been taken. His message reflected the uncertainty and fear any parent would feel in similar circumstances: “My oldest son Bryce needs our prayers… Bryce went to rescue another child who was drifting out, and he was pulled under by a strong current himself. Our dear friend went in to save Bryce and was victim to the waters as well.”
The following day, Shivy shared the update no parent ever wants to deliver. He wrote that he “never would have imagined waking up to messages saying farewell” alongside his son’s photo. The family later confirmed that Bryce had passed away due to cardiac arrest related to the incident.
The loss of both Bryce and Johnson deeply affected their community, who remembered them as individuals who demonstrated care and responsibility even in their final moments.
Remembering Bryce as a Son, Brother, and Friend
Shivy and his wife, Crystal Brooks, have spoken openly about their son’s character. They describe him as thoughtful, vibrant, and committed to helping others. In interviews and social media messages shared since the accident, they often refer to him as their “baby boy,” a term that reflects their enduring love and pride despite their grief.
“Bryce is a hero,” Shivy said. “He saved the lives of four kids at the expense of his own.”
Crystal echoed that sentiment: “It doesn’t take away an ounce of the pain, but it makes me proud of what our son did and what he chose to do.”
Friends, teachers, and community members also remember Bryce as someone who consistently brought warmth into the spaces he entered. His peers described him as dependable and calm under pressure — qualities that made his actions that day tragically unsurprising.
Honoring the Man Who Tried to Save Him
The Brooks family also emphasizes the heroism of Charles “Uncle Chuck” Johnson II, a family friend who entered the water in an effort to help Bryce. Johnson, a husband and father of three, was widely known for his instinct to support others. Shivy described him as “a person who looks after everyone,” and said that stepping in to try to save Bryce aligned with the kind of man he was.
“That he would give his life in an attempt to save Bryce — it’s everything I know about that man,” Shivy said.
In the wake of the tragedy, both families received widespread messages of sympathy and support from across the country.
Finding Purpose in the Middle of Grief
The Brooks family has spent the months and years since Bryce’s passing working to transform their grief into positive action. They created the Bryce Brooks Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting water safety and drowning prevention. The foundation offers free swimming lessons for both children and adults, as well as scholarships for teenagers seeking lifeguard training.
The goals of the foundation reflect the values Bryce embodied: bravery, service, and a willingness to act for the benefit of others.
The organization has already begun awarding scholarships to help students with college expenses. One of the first recipients was Johnson’s son — a symbolic reminder of the bond between the two families and the legacy of the men they lost.
A Father’s Continuing Messages of Remembrance
Shivy’s social media has become a digital archive of memorial posts, birthday tributes, and reflections on the challenges of navigating life after losing a child. He has shared moments such as his younger son’s first day of school, remembering how Bryce would have been there to support him. He has posted gentle messages to other fathers who have experienced similar loss, acknowledging the difficulty of seeing peers embrace their children.
In one recent post, Shivy wrote, “Bryce’s presence is missed evermore. Bryce was always by my side to make impossible things feasible. Bryce was always my hero.”
He added, “I just want to talk to this kid. I just want to put my arms around him. I just want my son to come home.”
These posts reflect the emotional landscape of a family that continues to mourn while simultaneously working to honor their son’s memory in meaningful ways.
A Legacy of Courage and Kindness
Although Bryce’s life ended far too soon, his impact continues to resonate. His actions on the day of the incident demonstrated a level of courage that few people — regardless of age — display. His willingness to act for the safety of others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, as well as on many who learned of his story afterward.
His parents describe their son not only as a hero in the way he died but as a hero in the way he lived — thoughtful, protective, and committed to helping those around him.
“Bryce stepped into his manhood to save these children,” Shivy said. “And that makes me proud.”
A Community United Through Loss
The story of Bryce Brooks is one of tragedy, but it is also one of community, love, and resilience. It highlights the importance of water safety, the power of quick action, and the deep impact that acts of compassion can have. Through the work of the Bryce Brooks Foundation and the memories preserved by his family, his legacy will continue to influence lives long beyond the moment of his passing.
Bryce’s story has already inspired many to learn more about water safety, support drowning-prevention initiatives, and recognize the bravery of young people who step up in moments of crisis.
While nothing can replace the loss felt by the Brooks family, the ripple effects of Bryce’s generosity continue to touch others — a reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, one person’s courage can create lasting change.
