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Georgia preteen drowns during Florida spring break

by News Desk April 16, 2023
Georgia preteen drowns during Florida spring break
Rashad Williams, 12, died after being rescued while drowning (Picture Credit: Addie Jones/Roshanda Williams GoFundMe)

A 12-year-old preteen from Georgia passed away on Thursday after getting stuck in a riptide on April 06 in Pensacola, Florida.

Rashad Williams, 12, was visiting Johnson Beach in Pensacola, Florida with his friend Braylon Jones, 14, for spring break when a wave overwhelmed the boys and pulled them into the water.

The boys were accompanied by Braylon’s mother, Addie Jones, who described the tragedy. Both the boys were rescued by two teens, Bryce Brooks, 16 and his friend Charles Johnson, who tragically died during the rescue.

14-year-old Braylon managed to survive, but 12-year-old Rashad who remained on a ventilator at the Studer Family Children’s Hospital passed away.

A GoFundMe was set by Addie Jones to support Williams’ funeral procession. Over $20,000 have been raised.

A separate GoFundMe to support the Brooks and Johnson families has been set up where they have raised nearly $100,000 in just 24 hours.

On April 6th, loved members of our GYTO community, Shivy and Crystal Brooks suffered the tragic loss of their son Bryce and a close family friend. Bryce, 16, was a selfless young man full of passion and love for life. Bryce was victim to a strong ocean current in Florida after his heroic action of jumping into the ocean to save a group of younger children out of the current. Bryce’s actions helped to save several lives. We can not even begin to understand the unimaginable impact this has had on their family, friends, and loved ones but know the power of this community.

Our GYTO community hurts for Shivy and his family as they navigate through this heartbreaking time and many of you have asked how to help. We know the power of this community, the power of your prayers, and the power of your service and impact. Please consider making a donation to support the Brooks family during this time. Every donation can make an impact for this GYTO family member who needs us now more than ever. 

The funds raised will go directly to Shivy Brooks and his family.

Brooks family GoFundMe.