12-year-old boy dies after shark attack in Sydney Harbour waters
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A 12-year-old Australian boy has died after a brutal shark attack in Sydney Harbour, his family confirmed on Saturday.
Nico Antic had been fighting for his life since January 18 when he was attacked while swimming at the popular cliff jumping spot known as Jump Rock near Shark Beach in the eastern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse.
His family announced his death on Saturday.
Nico’s parents, Lorena and Juan, said in their statement: “We are saddened to share that our son Nico has passed away.” “Nico was a happy, friendly and sporty young boy with an extremely kind and generous spirit. He was always full of life and that’s how we will remember him.”
SURFER SAYS SHARK ATTACK FELT LIKE ‘I WAS HIT BY A CAR’, HALF OF THE WOOD WAS BITTEN: 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 started 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 INSTALLE DRUM LINES
While beaches north of Sydney have been closed since Tuesday due to shark attacks and dangerous currents in Sydney, Australia, a swimmer takes a dip at Whale Beach and ignores warning signs. (Steve Christo/Corbis via Getty Images)
According to police, the attack took place around 16.20 on January 18, after Antic jumped into the water from a 20-meter ledge. He suffered severe injuries to both legs, believed to have been caused by a large shark.
His three friends immediately jumped into the water and pulled him to shore and called for help. Antic, whose condition was critical, was taken to the hospital.
At that time, local media reported that he had lost both of his legs.
SURFER SAYS SHARK ATTACK FELT LIKE ‘HE WAS HIT BY A CAR’, HALF OF THE WOOD WAS BITTEN: REPORTS
On January 19, a day after a child was attacked by a shark, a net fell into Sydney Harbor at the closed beach at Vaucluse in Sydney. (Sitthixay Ditthavong/AAP Image via AP)
The tragedy is one of a growing number of shark incidents across Australia. Dozens of beaches have been closed this week following four shark attacks in as many days.
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According to Reuters, there are an average of 20 shark attacks a year in Australia, with fewer than three being fatal.
Fox News Digital’s Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.
