Tragic Daylight Stabbing Spree: One Dead, Two Critical in Shocking Random Attack

One person is dead and two others are fighting for life following a brazen daytime stabbing attack in the western Sydney suburb of Merrylands. Authorities...
HomeAUHeartfelt Beach Tribute Honors 12-Year-Old Shark Attack Victim

Heartfelt Beach Tribute Honors 12-Year-Old Shark Attack Victim

Share and Follow
More than 100 surfers took to the waves of North Bondi to pay tribute to the Sydney schoolboy, who was killed after he was bitten by a suspected bull shark at Neilson Park, near Shark Beach in Vaucluse, on January 18.

At Sydney’s renowned beach, swimmers of all ages, many of whom shared a connection with Nico, gathered for a heartfelt tribute to his life. They ventured into the waves in a poignant ceremony.

Shark attack victim Nico Antic has died in a Sydney hospital. The 12-year-old was attacked by a suspected bull shark as he was jumping off a rock face at Neilson Park, near Shark Beach in Vaucluse, on Sunday.
Shark attack victim Nico Antic died in a Sydney hospital after being bitten by a shark. (Supplied)

Nico was a dedicated member of the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, participating as an under-13 nipper.

The club fondly remembered Nico as a person who “deeply cherished the ocean” and possessed a “brave and spirited soul.”

“Every week, Nico showed up at Nippers with a radiant smile and an incredible attitude,” stated North Bondi SLSC in a heartfelt message.

“He was laid-back yet fiercely independent, embodying a true lion heart. His determination and love for sports, along with the camaraderie they fostered, were remarkable,” the statement continued.

Nico died in hospital from his injuries on January 25 after being pulled from the water with serious leg wounds following the shark attack.

Paddle out in Bondi for Nico Antic
More than 100 surfers took to the waves of North Bondi to pay tribute to the Sydney schoolboy. (Today)

Nico’s parents, Lorena and Juan, said in a statement they were “heartbroken” over his death.

“Nico was a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit,” they said.

“He was always full of life and that’s how we’ll remember him.

“We would like to sincerely thank the first responders and the teams at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick for everything they did to care for Nico.”

Paddle out in Bondi for Nico Antic
Nico had a strong connection to North Bondi after joining the surf lifesaving club as a nipper. (Today)

The junior lifesaver was the first of four shark attack victims in 48 hours on NSW beaches in mid-January.

NSW’s recent wet weather, considered a once-in-a-500 year event, had been a perfect storm for bull sharks to lurk in coastal waters around Sydney and the rest of NSW.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

Share and Follow