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Mother Critically Injured in Devastating Shark Attack
15 Jun
Summary
- Leah Stewart suffered life-threatening injuries from a shark attack at Coogee Beach.
- She has undergone multiple surgeries and had an arm amputated.
- A fundraiser is underway to support her recovery and her daughter's future.
A fundraiser is supporting Leah Stewart, who sustained severe and life-threatening injuries during a shark attack at Australia's Coogee Beach on Saturday, June 13. The 35-year-old mother suffered multiple bites and extreme blood loss, requiring multiple surgeries, including the amputation of an arm. She remains in critical condition on life support.
Stewart's family has launched a GoFundMe to aid her long recovery and provide for her one-year-old daughter's future needs. The community has rallied in support, with the hospital also sharing the fundraiser. Stewart is described as a dedicated and loving mother, and an accomplished swimmer.
An off-duty lifeguard, Charlie Verco, witnessed the attack and managed to bring Stewart to shore. He described the shark as approximately 3.5 meters long. First responders, including critical care doctors and lifeguards, provided immediate aid before she was airlifted to the hospital. Beaches in Sydney's eastern suburbs reopened two days after the incident.
