A tragic shark attack in Sydney has claimed the life of 12-year-old Nico Antic, who succumbed to his injuries a week after the incident.
The attack occurred last Sunday while Nico was swimming with friends at the renowned Nielsen Park, located in Sydney Harbour’s eastern suburbs. This popular swimming spot is part of a heritage-listed area.
Nico suffered severe injuries to his legs during the attack and tragically passed away on Saturday due to the extent of his wounds.
“We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away,” his grieving parents, Lorena and Juan, expressed in a heartfelt statement.
They fondly remembered him as “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,” they added, capturing the essence of their beloved son.
The couple thanked the first responders and the teams at Sydney Children’s Hospital “for everything they did to care for Nico” as well as those in their community for their support.
The Antic family had been preparing for the “worst possible outcome” since the attack.
A friend of the Antic family set up a fundraiser that has collected more than $238,000.
It was the first of four shark bites within three days in NSW, triggering widespread community concern and beach closures.
The attacks followed several days of rain in Sydney last week, which created “brackish” water around Sydney that provided ideal conditions for shark attacks.
All NSW beaches are however expected to be open for the Australia Day long weekend despite the spate of shark attacks which prompted days-long closures.
NSW’s shark management program, given a $2.5 million boost in December, includes SMART drumlines and drone patrols at 50 beaches during school holidays.
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