A mother was left in critical condition after a shark attack at a popular tourist spot resulted in the loss of her arm. Leah Stewart, 35, experienced severe blood loss from multiple shark bites at Coogee Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday morning. The incident, believed to involve a 12-foot great white shark, occurred approximately 100 feet from the shore around 11 a.m.
Leah, a teacher, underwent multiple surgeries and remains on life support, as confirmed by her brother, Joshua Stewart. A fundraising campaign has raised nearly $200,000 AUD to support Leah’s extensive injuries, including severe bites on her arms and legs, lacerations, fractures, and the amputation of her arm.
Witnesses described the harrowing scene of beachgoers responding to Leah’s distress, with off-duty doctors providing immediate aid before she was airlifted to St Vincent’s Hospital. Joshua Stewart praised Leah as a devoted mother, teacher, and ocean enthusiast, emphasizing the family’s shock and devastation over the attack.
The fundraising efforts aim to assist Leah in her long recovery journey, covering rehabilitation, prosthetics, and ongoing care. Grateful for the lifeguards, first responders, medical personnel, and community support, Leah’s family expressed their appreciation for the outpouring of sympathy and care during this challenging time.
Known for her advocacy work on water quality and breast cancer awareness, Leah’s friends highlighted her remarkable efforts, including a previous charity swim for breast cancer research. Following the incident, authorities temporarily closed several Sydney beaches to monitor shark activity before reopening to the public.
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