Twelve-year-old Nico Antic who was attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour last week has died, his family shared.
“We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico has passed away,” his parents Lorena and Juan said in a statement.
The teenage boy and a group of friends had been jumping off a rock ledge when he was attacked by what authorities believe to be a bull shark.
“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 statement by the grieving family read.
“We would like to sincerely thank the first responders and the teams at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick for everything they did to care for Nico.
“We would also like to thank everyone in the community for their support and kind messages.”
By Saturday afternoon, a GoFundMe campaign for his family had raised close to $240,000, with messages of support including one from Kate Barley, the mother of Khai Cowley, the 15-year-old who was killed by a shark in 2023.
“From one mum to another, my heart is holding you so tightly,” Barley’s comment read.
“I lost my beautiful boy Khai in a shark attack in South Australia — he was only 15 — and I know how unbearable this waiting and fear can be. Your precious boy is in our thoughts and prayers, and your family is being held with deep love and strength right now.”
Nico’s friends were praised for their quick and brave actions after rushing to help him following the attack. Police said at least one of them jumped into the water to pull him to safety, while others stayed with him and provided help until paramedics arrived.
He was taken to Sydney Children’s Hospital in critical condition on January 18, where he underwent surgery and was placed in an induced coma due to serious leg injuries.
There has been a sudden increase in shark incidents along Australia’s east coast in recent days, including several in Sydney. One surfer escaped without injury, while another suffered serious injuries, and a day later a 39-year-old man was bitten on the New South Wales mid-north coast and taken to hospital.
Experts believe the rise is likely linked to heavy rain, which made the water murky and attracted bull sharks closer to shore.
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