A woman who tragically lost her arm in a brutal attack by a great white shark during a morning swim has been identified as a devoted teacher and new mother. Her infant was on the shore when the incident occurred.
Leah Stewart, 35, is currently on life support after enduring multiple bites from the shark near the iconic Coogee Beach in Sydney, Australia, early Saturday. The severity of her injuries necessitated the amputation of her arm, as reported by her family.
Besides losing her arm, Stewart, who is a mother to a 1-year-old, sustained numerous lacerations, bone fractures, and suffered significant blood loss during the attack, her brother Joshua detailed on a GoFundMe page set up to assist with medical bills.
“Leah is a committed and loving mother, an enthusiastic educator, and a local of Coogee with a deep affection for the ocean,” he explained.
“Our family is in shock and heartbroken that such a tragedy could befall our cherished partner, daughter, and mother who exudes energy and vitality,” he continued, mentioning that she will require additional surgeries.
Stewart, an accomplished swimmer, was attacked just about 100 feet from shore while a friend was watching over her young daughter on the beach. Her partner was traveling overseas at the time, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
An off-duty lifeguard rushed into the ocean and pulled Stewart to the beach, where a critical care doctor who happened to be there worked with first responders to stabilize her. She was then airlifted to the hospital, according to the Herald.
In November, Stewart swam more than 30 miles to raise money for breast cancer research and in 2024, competed in the Coogee Island Challenge, an annual 1.5-mile race.
She and her partner welcomed a daughter early last year and are well-known beach-goers in the community.
“We share our sincere thanks and gratitude to the lifesavers, first responders, helicopter crew, and the dedicated medical team of doctors, nurses, and support staff at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney who have been caring for Leah,” her family said in a statement to the Herald.
“Our thanks to all who have reached out to the family with sympathy, care and prayer.”
Australia has been shaken by a string of shark attacks recently.
Since May 16, three spearfishing divers have been killed, bringing the nation’s shark-related death toll this year to four.
Authorities say Australia has typically recorded only 2-3 fatal shark encounters annually since 2000.