A tragic shark attack in Sydney Harbor has claimed the life of a 12-year-old Australian boy, his family revealed on Saturday.

Young Nico Antic had been in a critical condition since January 18th after being attacked while swimming at a popular cliff-jumping location known as Jump Rock, near Shark Beach in Vaucluse, a suburb in eastern Sydney.

On Saturday, his family shared the heartbreaking news of his passing.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of our beloved son, Nico,” said his parents, Lorena and Juan, in a heartfelt statement. “Nico was a joyful, sociable, and athletic young boy, known for his warm and generous nature. He was always vibrant and full of life, and that is how we will always remember him.”

The family extended their gratitude to the first responders and the medical staff at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick for their dedicated efforts, as well as to the community for their unwavering support during this difficult time.

They also thanked first responders and medical staff at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick for their efforts, as well as members of the community for their support.

A GoFundMe campaign launched by a family friend had raised more than $266,000 as of Saturday evening.

A swimmer takes a dip at Whale Beach ignoring warning signs as beaches in Sydney’s north have been closed since Tuesday due to shark attacks and dangerous currents in Sydney, Australia.  (Steve Christo/Corbis via Getty Images)

According to police, the attack took place at around 4:20 p.m. on Jan. 18, after Antic jumped from a 20-foot ledge into the water. He suffered severe injuries to both legs, believed to have been caused by a large shark.

His three friends immediately jumped into the water, pulled him to shore and called for help. Antic was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. 

Local media reported at the time that he had lost both legs.

A net runs into Sydney Harbor at a closed beach at Vaucluse in Sydney, Jan. 19, a day after a boy was attacked by a shark. (Sitthixay Ditthavong/AAP Image via AP)

The tragedy comes amid a surge in shark incidents across Australia. Dozens of beaches were closed this week after four shark attacks in mere days.

Australia averages roughly 20 shark attacks a year, with fewer than three proving fatal, according to Reuters.