A 12-year-old boy has died from injuries sustained during a shark attack at a popular swimming spot in Sydney, leaving his family and community heartbroken.
Nico Antic, a 12-year-old boy from Australia, tragically lost his life following a shark attack in Sydney Harbour, his family confirmed on Saturday. The incident occurred on January 18 while Nico was swimming at Jump Rock, a well-known cliff-jumping location near Shark Beach in the eastern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse.
His family announced his passing in a heartfelt statement, expressing their sorrow: “We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away,” said his parents, Lorena and Juan. “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.”
Following the attack, Nico’s friends acted quickly, pulling him from the water and calling for help. He was transported to Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, where he fought for his life in critical condition. Reports indicated that he had sustained severe injuries to both legs, believed to have been inflicted by a large shark.
The community has rallied around the Antic family during this difficult time. A GoFundMe campaign launched by a family friend has raised over $266,000 as of Saturday evening, demonstrating the outpouring of support from friends and neighbors.
The shark attack occurred around 4:20 p.m. on January 18, shortly after Nico jumped from a 20-foot ledge into the water. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with his friends immediately jumping in to rescue him.
This tragic event comes amid a concerning rise in shark incidents across Australia. In the days leading up to Nico’s attack, four shark attacks were reported, prompting authorities to close numerous beaches and deploy drumlines in an effort to enhance public safety.
Australia typically sees around 20 shark attacks annually, with fewer than three resulting in fatalities, according to data from Reuters. The recent surge in incidents has raised alarm among beachgoers and prompted discussions about safety measures.
The loss of Nico Antic has left a profound impact on his family and the local community, who are mourning the young boy’s untimely death. As they navigate this heartbreaking tragedy, they remember him as a vibrant and spirited child who brought joy to those around him.
According to Fox News Digital, the investigation into the shark attack is ongoing as authorities work to ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers in the area.