Tragedy as teen drowns rescuing four children – his family reveals his legacy
“We’re never gonna get to see Bryce grow up to be the full man that he was going to be,” Bryce’s mother Crystal Brooks told Fox 5. “But, we know that he stepped into his manhood to save these children, and that makes me proud. It doesn’t take away an ounce of pain, but it makes me proud of our son.”
According to the family, Bryce was an honor roll student who loved to make music and was a member of his school’s fashion club. He always took care of his younger brother.
Family games
The family appeared in the Netflix show “Instant Dream Home” which secretly renovated their Atlanta home.
“Get Your Teach On” set up a fundraiser for the family, which has raised upwards of $78,000.
“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,” organizers wrote, according to People.
Following Bryce’s tragic passing, the family set up the Bryce Brooks Foundation, a charity “dedicated to fostering water safety and drowning prevention. Our mission is to provide free swimming lessons for adults and children and empower teens through scholarships for lifeguard certification.”
The foundation has now awarded its first six scholarships to help with college expenses, with Uncle Chuck’s son among the recipients.
16-year-old Bryce Brooks from Atlanta was vacationing with his family in Pensacola when an imaginable tragedy took place.
Bryce and a group of friends “witnessed four other younger kids who they did not know being pulled by the current,” the teen’s father Shivy Brooks revealed.
Without hesitating, Bryce and two of his friends jumped into the water to save the drowning children while the rest of the friends rushed to alert the adults of the incident.
“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,” his father said, according to People.
Tragically, Bryce “was pulled under” while in the water, his father said. When family friend Charles Johnson II, affectionately called “Uncle Chuck,” jumped in to help Bryce, he was also pulled under, Shivy added.
“Our family is devastated,” he said. “Our community is devastated.”
Strangers pulled Bryce and Uncle Chuck from the water and the two were airlifted to the hospital, but sadly, nothing could be done. They were both pronounced dead.
The community honored the brave teen with a balloon release at Maynard Jackson High School.
If You Open a Watermelon and See This
If You Open a Watermelon and See This …Throw It Out
Cutting into a watermelon is usually a refreshing moment — bright red flesh, sweet aroma, and plenty of juice. But if you slice one open and notice foam bubbling or oozing from the inside, stop immediately and throw it away. This isn’t a harmless oddity. It’s a clear warning sign that the watermelon has begun to ferment and spoil, and eating it could be dangerous.
Why Foaming Watermelon Is a Red Flag
Watermelon is naturally high in sugar, which makes it especially vulnerable to bacteria and yeast. When these microorganisms infiltrate the fruit, they feed on the sugars and begin a fermentation process. As this happens, gases like carbon dioxide build up inside the melon.
Eventually, that pressure needs to escape. When it does, the gas mixes with liquid inside the fruit and pushes out as foam or bubbling liquid through cracks in the flesh or rind. Essentially, the watermelon has turned into a small fermentation chamber.
Food safety experts warn that consuming fermented watermelon may expose you to harmful pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, or, in rare but severe cases, toxins associated with botulism. The most dangerous part is that the spoilage often starts internally, meaning the rind can look perfectly normal while the inside is already unsafe.
Other Signs Your Watermelon Has Gone Bad
Foam is one of the most obvious indicators, but it’s not the only one. Watch for these warning signs:
Sour or unpleasant smell: Fresh watermelon should smell lightly sweet, never sharp or acidic.
Slimy or mushy texture: Flesh that feels slippery or overly soft is breaking down.
Fizzy or tingling taste: A carbonated sensation points to active fermentation.
Dark or sunken spots: Discoloration or depressions inside the fruit often signal decay.
Cracks in the rind: These openings allow bacteria and air to enter, speeding spoilage.
If you notice any of these, it’s best to play it safe and discard the melon.
How Heat Makes Things Worse
Hot weather dramatically increases the risk of watermelon fermentation. Heat accelerates bacterial growth and metabolic activity, meaning spoilage can happen quickly — sometimes before there’s any visible external damage. In extreme cases, pressure buildup inside the melon can even cause it to crack or burst when you try to cut it.
To slow this process:
Store whole watermelons in a cool place or refrigerate when possible
Refrigerate cut watermelon immediately
Consume cut pieces within a few days
How to Protect Yourself
A few simple precautions can reduce your risk of spoiled fruit:
Inspect before cutting: Avoid melons with soft spots, cracks, or damp areas.
Wash the rind: Rinse thoroughly under running water before slicing to prevent contamination.
Use clean tools: Always cut with a clean knife on a clean surface.
Check after cutting: Look, smell, and sample a small piece before eating.
Refrigerate promptly: Store leftovers wrapped and chilled below 4°C (39°F).
Dispose safely: Seal spoiled melons in a bag before throwing them away to prevent leaks.
The Bottom Line
Foaming inside a watermelon is not something to ignore. It’s a sign that the fruit is actively breaking down and may contain harmful microbes. Even if some sections appear normal, once fermentation begins, the entire watermelon is unsafe. When it comes to food safety, it’s always better to throw it out than risk getting sick.
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