Police verify human head discovered on Key Biscayne seaside belongs to lacking swimmer – WSVN 7News | Miami Information, Climate, Sports activities

KEY BISCAYNE, FLA. (WSVN) – Authorities have confirmed that the human head discovered on a Key Biscayne beach belongs to 19-year-old Victor Enrique Castaneda Jr., the swimmer who went missing off South Pointe Drive over the weekend.

After the swimmer was reported missing around 6 p.m., Saturday, a large-scale, three-hour search was conducted by Miami Beach Fire Rescue and Police, along with the U.S. Coast Guard and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

Despite the extensive search, the swimmer was not found, and the case was entered into the missing persons database.

On Tuesday, a human head was discovered behind Ocean Sound Key Colony, located at 251 Crandon Blvd. in Key Biscayne.

Miami Beach Police were notified by Miami-Dade Police, and an investigation was immediately launched.

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner confirmed on Friday that the remains belonged to Castaneda.

“The Miami Beach Police Department extends prayers and condolences to the family,” police said in a statement. “Our victim advocates will continue to provide support to the family during this time.”

Castaneda’s family on Friday called him a hero because, they said, he saved his 17-year-old sister, who was also in the water with him.

As of Friday night, investigators have not released a cause of yet.

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