12-year-old boy dies after shark attack at popular cliff-jumping spot
A 12-year-old Australian boy has died following a devastating shark attack in Sydney Harbor, his family confirmed on Saturday.
Nico Antic had been in critical condition since January 18, when he was attacked while swimming at a popular cliff-jumping spot known as Jump Rock near Shark Beach in the eastern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse. His parents announced over the weekend that he had died from his injuries.
“We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away,” his parents, Lorena and Juan, said in a statement. “Nico was a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit. He was always full of life and that’s how we’ll remember him.”
The family also expressed gratitude to first responders, doctors and nurses at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, and to members of the public who offered support in the days following the attack.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by a family friend had raised more than $266,000 by Saturday evening to help the family with medical and related expenses.
Police said the attack occurred at about 4:20 p.m. on January 18 after Nico jumped from a 20-foot ledge into the water. He suffered severe injuries to both legs, believed to have been inflicted by a large shark.
Three friends who were with him immediately jumped into the water, pulled him back to shore and called emergency services. Nico was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Local media reported at the time that he had lost both legs.
The incident comes amid a spike in shark encounters across Australia. Dozens of beaches were closed this week after four attacks were reported within a matter of days.
Australia typically records around 20 shark attacks each year, with fewer than three resulting in death.
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