Nico Antic, a 12-year-old boy who was attacked by a shark last week, has died from his injuries.
Last Sunday, Antic was attacked by a shark while swimming with friends at Nielsen Park in Sydney Harbour, a heritage building in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
He suffered serious injuries to his legs and died on Saturday.
“We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away,” his parents, Lorena and Juan, said in a statement.
“Nico was a cheerful, friendly and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit.”
“He was always full of life and that is how we will remember him.”
The couple thanked the first responders and teams at Sydney Children’s Hospital “for everything they did to care for Nico”, as well as those in their community for their support.
The Antic family had been preparing for the “worst possible outcome” since the attack.
A friend of the Antic family set up a fundraiser that has raised more than $238,000.
It was the first of four shark bites in three days in NSW, leading to widespread community concern and beach closures.
The attacks followed several days of rain in Sydney last week, creating ‘brackish’ water around Sydney that provided ideal conditions for shark attacks.
However, all NSW beaches are expected to be open over the Australia Day long weekend, despite a spate of shark attacks that forced days-long closures.
NSW’s shark management program, which received a $2.5 million boost in December, includes SMART drumlines and drone patrols at 50 beaches during school holidays.
For the latest news from SBS News, download our app And subscribe to our newsletter.
#Twelveyearold #boy #dies #injuries #shark #attack #Sydney