Leah Stewart: Coogee Beach shark attack victim briefly brought out of induced coma
Leah Stewart’s family said the ‘wonderful news’ came earlier than expected.
The touching first words of the woman attacked by a shark have been revealed by her family as they provided a “miracle” update.
Leah Stewart, 34, was mauled by what is believed to have been a 3.5m great white shark on June 13.
She was swimming less than 30 metres offshore and inside the flags at Sydney’s popular Coogee Beach at the time.
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The 34-year-old has since undergone several surgeries, including an amputation of her arm.
On Tuesday, Josh Stewart provided an update on his sister’s condition, sharing what he called “really wonderful news”.
After a week on life support in the intensive care unit at Sydney’s St Vincent Hospital, Ms Stewart woke up.
Mr Stewart said doctors extubated his sister and reduced her sedation levels which briefly brought her out of her induced coma.
“This allowed Leah to share her first words ‘I love you’ with her Mum and partner Fernando who have been by her side in ICU since the incident,” he said.
“Her first thoughts were with her daughter August and wanted to check she was OK.”
He said the update came “a lot faster” than the family expected and that it felt “like a miracle”.
Over the past week, Ms Stewart has undergone five surgeries, with more scheduled over the coming weeks.
Her brother said she will remain in ICU and continues to require “a high level of care and support”, which he said would be the case “for some time”.
“Leah has a long road ahead and still remains in critical care, but this is such a positive first step and gives us hope for Leah’s long term recovery,” he said.
The message from Mr Stewart was delivered to donors of a GoFundMe established for Ms Stewart’s family in the wake of the horrific tragedy.
Since established on June 15, it has raised more than $480,000.
Mr Stewart thanked everyone for their love, generosity, and well wishes.
The update comes days after thousands of people attended Coogee Beach for a swim-out in honour of the teacher.
Swimmers at the beach were protected by lifeguards on jetskis, inflatable rescue boats, and surveillance drones.
Randwick mayor Dylan Parker said it was important to support the community and their return to the ocean.
“This is what community at its best looks like,” he said.
“Being out there with the thousands of swimmers, you can just feel the warmth in what was pretty fresh water.”
A barbecue held after the event acted as a fundraiser for the Stewart family.
