Sydney teacher Leah Stewart, 35, recounted her harrowing experience after being attacked by a great white shark at Coogee Beach on June 13, describing the predator as a “monster” and expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support that has raised over A$558,000 ($668,000) for her recovery. The attack left her with severe, life-threatening injuries, including multiple fractures, blood loss, and the amputation of one arm, but she now says she has progressed enough to build some independence
and is finally seeing some light after all of this.
The Attack and Immediate Aftermath
Stewart was swimming near the shore at Coogee Beach when a 3.5-meter great white shark attacked her, according to 1News. She suffered severe and life-threatening
injuries, including bites, fractures, and extreme blood loss that required multiple surgeries, an induced coma, and the amputation of one arm. Her brother, Josh Stewart, set up a GoFundMe page to aid her rehabilitation and care for her daughter, August, which has now reached A$558,000 (NZ$668,000). Her first thoughts were with her daughter, August, and wanted to check she was OK,
her brother said, per RNZ.
Stewart’s injuries were described as severe and life-threatening
by her family, with the attack leaving her in critical condition at St Vincent’s Hospital. She was in an induced coma for days and underwent multiple surgeries, including the amputation of one arm. I was holding onto my leg and I just thought of August [her daughter]. And I thought … she’s not going to have a mum,
Stewart said in an interview with 60 Minutes, as reported by Nine.com.au. I’m never going to forget its face. It was a monster,
she added, describing the shark.
Fundraising and Donation Closure
Stewart announced on the GoFundMe page that it would no longer accept donations after raising more than A$558,000, stating, Because what you've offered has given us enough to recover, to stay in our home, and to give us options for further medical treatment down the road.
The page, initially set up by her brother, had reached its goal of aiding her rehabilitation and care for her daughter, with Stewart emphasizing that the community’s support had been an absolute army of love, support, prayers, and encouragement.
I still have a long way to go, but my recovery has been remarkable,
she said in a post on the GoFundMe page. The funds have also helped her family stay in their home and access further medical treatment. You've inspired me to get better, not bitter,
she added, citing the global support she received.
Emotional Recovery and Public Statements
Stewart’s first public statements about the attack came nearly two months after the incident. In a message posted on the GoFundMe page, she said, After what has been an incredibly difficult few months, I'm so happy that I've progressed enough to build some independence, and I can finally see some light after all of this.
She also expressed gratitude for the support she received, both locally and internationally, and emphasized her determination to get back to some sort of normal life.
In an interview with 60 Minutes, Stewart described the attack in emotional detail, recalling how she clung to her leg while thinking about her daughter. She’s going to grow up without a mum,
she said, according to Nine.com.au. Her husband comforted her as she shared the harrowing details publicly for the first time. Stewart also mentioned that her recovery has been “remarkable,” attributing much of it to the support from strangers and loved ones.
Context of Shark Incidents in NSW
The attack occurred amid a series of shark incidents in New South Wales this year. In January, 12-year-old Nico Antic died after a shark attack at Vaucluse, and musician Andre de Ruyter lost his leg at Manly Beach. These incidents have led to an expansion of a drone surveillance program covering 72 beaches along the NSW coast, as reported by RNZ. Stewart’s attack has further highlighted concerns about shark safety in popular swimming areas.
Stewart’s case underscores the physical and emotional toll of such attacks, as well as the role of community support in recovery. While she has expressed gratitude for the funds raised, she has also emphasized that her focus is now on rebuilding her life. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life, and I’m not going to waste it,
she said, according to RNZ.
