A woman who lost her arm after she was viciously attacked by a great white shark while out for a morning swim has been identified as a “loving” teacher and new mother whose baby was at the beach at the time.
Leah Stewart, 35, is on life support after she was bitten multiple times off the coast of Sydney, Australia’s famous Coogee Beach, early Saturday, sustaining brutal injuries that forced doctors to amputate her arm, according to family members.
In addition to losing her arm, Stewart, who has a 1-year-old daughter, suffered multiple bites to her limbs, broken bones and “severe blood loss” in the attack, her brother Joshua wrote on a GoFundMe page to raise money for medical expenses.
“Leah is a dedicated and loving mother, a passionate teacher, and a Coogee local who loves the ocean,” he wrote.
“We as a family are shocked and devastated that this could happen to our beloved partner, daughter and mother who is full of life and energy,” he said, adding that she would have to undergo further surgeries.
Stewart, an accomplished swimmer, was attacked about 100 feet from shore while a friend was watching her young daughter on the beach. Her partner was traveling abroad at the time, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
An off-duty lifeguard rushed into the ocean and pulled Stewart to shore, where a critical care doctor who happened to be there with first responders stabilized her. She was then airlifted to hospital, according to the Herald.
In November, Stewart swam more than 30 miles to raise money for breast cancer research, and in 2024, she competes in the Coogee Island Challenge, an annual 1.5-mile race.
She and her partner welcomed their daughter early last year and are well-known beach goers in the community.
“We share our deepest thanks and gratitude to the rescuers, first responders, helicopter crew and the dedicated medical team of doctors, nurses and support staff at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney who were caring for Leah,” her family said in a statement to the Herald.
“Thank you to all who have reached out to the family with sympathy, care and prayers.”
Australia has been subjected to a series of shark attacks recently.
Since May 16, three divers have been killed while spearfishing, bringing the number of shark-related deaths in the country this year to four.
Authorities say Australia has only recorded two to three fatal shark incidents per year since 2000.