Jackson Memorial Hospital

Teen in Critical Condition After Trying to Save Boy From Drowning

A 17-year-old who tried to save a boy from drowning Monday in Virginia Key Beach was hospitalized and in critical condition.

Paramedics responded to the beach before 5 p.m. to reports of a possible drowning, according to City of Miami Fire Rescue.

Officials said a 25-year-old mother was teaching her 9-year-old son how to swim when they were both whisked away by strong currents. 

The 17-year-old, identified by family and friends as Christian Burgos, saw them struggling to swim back and jumped in to help, but he also got caught in the currents. 

The teen was pulled out of the water by two bystanders. He was unconscious and not breathing, so paramedics began CPR. He was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he remained in critical condition.

The mother and her child were alert and talking. The mother was also transported to the hospital.

"Thank you for helping us, you're a kind man," 9-year-old Maynor Montez said.

A Gofundme page was set up to help with Burgos' medical expenses.

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