A woman who was fighting for her life after a shark attack off the Sydney coast has been identified as Leah Stewart, a 35-year-old mother and teacher.
Attack Details
Stewart was bitten by what officials believe was a great white shark at Coogee Beach, near Bondi Beach, in Australia. She was on a morning swim "within the flags on Coogee Beach" when the attack occurred.
Emergency services responded to reports of a swimmer bitten by a shark. Members of the public pulled Stewart from the water and commenced first aid before paramedics arrived.
According to NSW Ambulance Inspector Mike Corlis, Stewart suffered significant injuries to her left lower leg and upper arms. An eyewitness reported seeing "a huge amount of blood in the water."
Family Statement
Stewart's family described her as a "dedicated and loving mother, a passionate teacher, and a Coogee local who loves the ocean" in a GoFundMe page. They expressed shock and devastation that this could happen to their beloved partner, daughter, and mother.
Stewart sustained "severe and life-threatening injuries with multiple bites across her arms and legs, lacerations and fractures throughout her body, and extreme blood loss," the family detailed.
Medical Condition
Stewart has undergone multiple surgeries following the attack. Tragically, her treatment required the amputation of her arm, and more surgeries are scheduled. She remains in critical condition on life support.
Her family noted that Stewart faces a long road to recovery and that support will make a huge difference in her quality of life, rehabilitation, and ability to return to being a mother to her one-year-old daughter.
Community Response
More than $223,600 of the $250,000 goal has been raised through GoFundMe as of Monday afternoon. All funds will support Stewart's recovery, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and ongoing care.
A friend was taking care of Stewart's baby on the beach at the time of the attack, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Stewart's partner returned home from an overseas trip after learning of the attack.
Stewart is an accomplished local swimmer and competed in the Coogee Island Challenge alongside her partner in 2024. By Monday, beaches in Sydney's eastern suburbs had reopened.
