A heroic teenager who saved a mum and her nine-year-old son from drowning has died days later in hospital.
Christian Burgos, 17, spotted Elvia Venegas and the young boy struggling in the water in Virginia Key, Florida, and immediately jumped in to help drag them to shore.
Elvia had been teaching her son to swim when they were dragged away by strong currents.
But as brave Christian desperately battled to save them, but he too was then dragged by the current before being pulled from the water by bystaders.
He was unconscious and not breathing as paramedics arrived to the scene before transferring him to Jackson Memorial Hospital's trauma centre in a critical condition.
The selfless high school student remained in a coma and doctors told his family he had a 2% chance of surviving.
Now, Christian's heartbroken family has revealed their "little hero has passed away" after being taken off life support.
His family went on to pay tribute to "beautiful" Christian, adding: "We want to thank you all who have been praying for his supernatural recovery."
Christian's mother Maria Del Carmen Avenado, a single mum whose husband was recently deported to Nicaragua, said: "He’s the best son. He’s the most beautiful person I have had. He is a hero.
"I am happy and I am sad because I wish this had not happened to him.”
Cousin Nelly Alvarado, said: "I am honestly very proud of him. It was a selfless act.
"He didn’t think twice to go and help people. I know it was just instincts just like he has done for everyone his whole life helping other people."
Elvia said if it wasn't for the incredible actions of Christian, she "wouldn't be alive right now", reports WFOR-TV.
She added: "I am just eternally grateful at this moment. That’s all I can say right now."
Alberto Carvalho, Schools superintendent for Miami-Dade, tweeted his sadness at the news, saying: "With deep sadness, I join @BTW_SHS (Booker T. Washington Sr. High School) & the entire @MDCPS (Miami-Dade County Public Schools) family in mourning the passing of a kind & giving teen who left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
"One whose courageous actions will live on forever. Sincerest thoughts are w/Christian’s family."
Christian's football coach, Veronique Toussaint, described how he was always "friends to many students".
She said students at his school had been left mourning and consoling one another after the tragic news.
