Plantation teen mourned after Keys diving accident: ‘He changed my life’

Broward family grieves teen who drowned in Florida Keys

PLANTATION, Fla. — A trip to the Florida Keys ended in tragedy over the weekend after a Plantation teen drowned during a dive.

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Cameron Ruwe, 17, was loved by many, his family said.

“Cameron was the type of son that every father would have wanted, he’s everything I asked for,” said his father, Chris Ruwe.

“He changed my life, he was my best friend, he was my shadow, I didn’t go anywhere, if he’s not on the phone with me, he’s right next to me,” said Katherine Zaensi, his stepmother.

Cameron touched countless lives. All day at his Plantation home, family and friends gathered to honor the young teen who lost his life during the weekend trip.

They came together in his room, comforting one another, and at Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy High School, where Cameron was a senior.

Students held a vigil to honor him, even laying flowers on his parking spot.

Cameron had been with his parents and younger siblings near Grassy Key on Saturday. The family was there celebrating his sister’s birthday. His parents said he was a certified diver, something he enjoyed and had done countless times.

While swimming back to the boat, his father said Cameron blacked out and went underwater. CPR was performed, and he was taken to a hospital in Marathon, where he died.

Cameron’s parents described him as a hardworking and inspirational child, someone who respected his family and loved with his whole heart.

“Remember him, remember the good times… long live Cameron,” his father said.

Cameron wanted to be a firefighter and help people after finishing college. His funeral is set to take place on Saturday.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family.

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About The Author
Sanela Sabovic

Sanela Sabovic

Sanela Sabovic joined Local 10 News in September 2012 as an assignment editor and associate producer. In August 2015, she became a full-time reporter and fill-in traffic reporter. Sanela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a concentration in radio, television and film from DePaul University.