A 12-year-old Australian boy died after a brutal shark attack in Sydney Harbour, his family confirmed on Saturday.
Nico Antic has been fighting for his life since January 18, when he was attacked while swimming at a popular cliff jumping spot known as Jump Rock near Shark Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburb of Vaucluse.
His family announced on Saturday that he had died.
“We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away,” Nico’s parents, Lorena and Juan, said in a statement. “Nico was a cheerful, friendly and sporty young boy with a very kind and generous spirit. He was always full of life and that is how we will remember him.”
SURFER SAYS SHARK ATTACK ‘LIKE ARRIVED BY A CAR’ AS BOARD BITTEN IN HALF: REPORTS
A 12-year-old Australian boy has died after a brutal shark attack in Sydney Harbour, his family confirmed on Saturday. (GoFundMe)
They also thanked first responders and medical staff at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick for their efforts and community members for their support.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by a family friend had raised more than $266,000 as of Saturday evening.
FOURTH SHARK ATTACK IN THREE DAYS SHOCKS AUSTRALIA AS AUTHORITIES CLOSE BEACHES AND SET UP DRUMLINES
A swimmer takes a dip at Whale Beach and ignores warning signs as beaches in Sydney’s north have been closed since Tuesday due to shark attacks and dangerous currents in Sydney, Australia. (Steve Christo/Corbis via Getty Images)
According to police, the attack took place around 4.20pm on January 18, after Antic jumped from a six-metre high ledge into the water. He suffered serious injuries to both legs, probably caused by a large shark.
His three friends immediately jumped into the water, pulled him to shore and called for help. Antic was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Local media reported at the time that he had lost both legs.
SURFER SAYS SHARK ATTACK: ‘LIKE BEING HIT BY A CAR’ AS BOARD BITTEN IN HALF: REPORTS
A net enters Sydney Harbor on a closed beach at Vaucluse in Sydney on January 19, a day after a boy was attacked by a shark. (Sitthixay Ditthavong/AAP image via AP)
The tragedy is part of a wave of shark incidents across Australia. Dozens of beaches were closed this week after four shark attacks in just a few days.
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According to Reuters, Australia averages about 20 shark attacks per year, of which fewer than three prove fatal.
