‘Loving’ mom and teacher identified as victim of latest shark attack in Australia
· Toronto Sun
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The identity of a woman who was fighting for her life after a shark attack off the Sydney coast has been revealed.
Visit somethingsdifferent.biz for more information.
Leah Stewart, 35, was bitten by what officials believe was a great white shark at Coogee Beach, near Bondi Beach, in Australia.
She was described by family as a “dedicated and loving mother, a passionate teacher, and a Coogee local who loves the ocean,” in a GoFundMe page. “As a family we are shocked and devastated that this could happen to our beloved partner, daughter and mother who is so full of life and energy.”
Stewart was on a morning swim “within the flags on Coogee Beach” when the attack happened.
She “sustained severe and life-threatening injuries with multiple bites across her arms and legs, lacerations and fractures throughout her body, and extreme blood loss,” her family detailed on the fundraising page.
‘Huge amount of blood’
Emergency services responded to reports that a “swimmer had been bitten by a shark,” the New South Wales Police said in a news release .
“The woman was pulled from the water by members of the public who commenced first aid before the arrival of emergency services,” authorities said.
“Police rendered first aid to the woman, believed to be aged in her 30s, who has suffered serious arm and leg injuries, before NSW Ambulance paramedics attended.”
The woman suffered significant injuries to her left lower leg and upper arms, NSW Ambulance Inspector Mike Corlis told Nine News .
An eyewitness told the outlet: “I think the woman had been doing laps in the ocean beforehand, then there was a lot of splashing and thrashing around. There was a huge amount of blood in the water.”
Long road to recovery
Leah has since undergone multiple surgeries in the days following the attack, the fundraiser noted.
“Tragically her treatment has required the amputation of her arm, and more surgeries are scheduled for the coming days,” they wrote, adding that she remains “in critical condition on life support.”
Her loved ones continued: “Leah faces a long road to recovery and your support will make a huge difference in her quality of life, rehabilitation and ability to go back to being a mum to her much loved one year old daughter.”
They added that all funds raised would go to supporting Stewart’s recovery, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and ongoing care.
More than $223,600 of the $250,000 goal has been raised as of Monday afternoon.
A friend had been taking care of Stewart’s baby on the beach at the time of the attack, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Stewart’s partner had returned home from an overseas trip after learning of the attack.
Stewart is an accomplished local swimmer and competed in the Coogee Island Challenge alongside her partner in 2024, according to the outlet.
By Monday, the beaches in Sydney’s eastern suburbs had reopened.