Home / Crime and Justice / Composed Teen Smiles After Near-Fatal Throat Slasher
Composed Teen Smiles After Near-Fatal Throat Slasher
23 Feb
Summary
- A 13-year-old boy survived a nearly fatal throat slashing on Valentine's Day.
- The young victim required 13 stitches for a wound that was one millimeter from being fatal.
- Despite the trauma, the teen displayed remarkable composure and a smile during interviews.

A 13-year-old boy named Sullivan Clarke exhibited extraordinary resilience after a brutal attack on Valentine's Day in Daytona Beach, Florida. Clarke was enjoying festivities related to the Daytona 500 when he was slashed on the throat by 44-year-old Jermaine Lynn Long. The severe wound necessitated 13 stitches, with medical professionals noting it was merely one millimeter away from being fatal.
During a television interview on February 18, Clarke demonstrated remarkable composure, smiling and speaking with a calm demeanor despite the recent trauma. His mother mentioned he experienced nightmares, but Clarke appeared unfazed, making faces during the interview. This unexpected resilience has garnered widespread admiration on social media, with many users commending his positive attitude.
The suspect, Jermaine Lynn Long, is a registered sex offender, adding further outrage for the victim's family. Sullivan's father expressed disbelief that Long had been released just four days prior to the attack, questioning the timing and circumstances of his release.




