Authorities and family confirmed that 12-year-old Nico Antic died after a shark attack near Jump Rock in Vaucluse on Jan. 18. He suffered catastrophic injuries to both legs after jumping from a 20-foot ledge and was taken to Sydney Children's Hospital in critical condition. His parents thanked first responders and the community; a GoFundMe had raised over $266,000. The incident comes amid a cluster of shark attacks that prompted beach closures across Australia.
12-Year-Old Nico Antic Dies After Shark Attack Near Sydney Cliff-Jumping Spot
shark sighted sign Sydney(Getty Images)
A 12-year-old boy, Nico Antic, has died after suffering severe injuries in a shark attack in Sydney Harbour, his family confirmed Saturday.
The incident occurred on Jan. 18 at a well-known cliff-jumping location called Jump Rock near Shark Beach in the eastern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse. Police say the attack happened at about 4:20 p.m. after Nico jumped from a roughly 20-foot ledge into the water. He sustained catastrophic injuries to both legs that authorities believe were caused by a large shark.
Three of Nico's friends immediately entered the water, pulled him to shore and called for emergency help. He was rushed to Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick in critical condition and received extensive treatment, but his family announced on Saturday that he had died.
Sydney Harbour shark netting on beach
"We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away," his parents, Lorena and Juan, said in a statement. "Nico was a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit. He was always full of life and that's how we'll remember him."
The family expressed gratitude to first responders and the medical teams at Sydney Children's Hospital, as well as to community members who offered support. A GoFundMe campaign set up by a family friend had raised more than $266,000 by Saturday evening to help the family with expenses.
Broader Context
The attack is part of a recent cluster of shark incidents across Australia that led authorities to close dozens of beaches after four attacks occurred within days. Australia averages about 20 shark attacks a year, with fewer than three fatalities on average, according to Reuters.
Local authorities continue to investigate the incident and review safety measures at popular swimming and cliff-jumping spots. The community has mourned Nico's loss, honoring the swift actions of his friends and the emergency responders who tried to save him.
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