Leah Stewart: Shark attack victim undergoes more surgery, donations climb after being bitten at Coogee Beach
Leah Stewart was attacked by a shark less than 30 metres offshore, which led to the amputation of her arm earlier this week.
The family of the woman brutally attacked by a shark has provided a devastating update on her health.
Leah Stewart, 34, was mauled by what is believed to have been a 3.5m great white shark on Saturday.
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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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.On Wednesday, brother Joshua Stewart provided an update on Ms Stewart, who sustained “severe and life-threatening injuries” in the June 13 attack.
She suffered bites to her arms and legs, significant blood loss and fractures throughout her body.
Mr Stewart said she still remains on life-support at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Public Hospital, where she had her arm amputated earlier in the week.
“She is still in ICU and has required extensive surgery this week,” he said.
“She remains on life support. The doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital have been amazing, as have the highly skilled teams of surgeons.”
“Leah has been admitted for more highly complex surgery today involving multiple Specialist teams from St Vincent’s.
“Given the extensive open wounds contaminated with sand and debris, the risk of infection is extreme.”
Mr Stewart said the family was “blown away” by the support they had received.
A GoFundMe established to help support Ms Stewart, her partner, and her baby daughter raised more than $414,500 since it was launched three days ago.
In addition, the family have been inundated with messages of support, as well as those delivering food, nappies, and supplies to the family.
Mr Stewart said their mum, Christine, was a registered nurse who had been at her daughter’s bedside in the ICU every day, as had her partner Fernando.
In an attempt to make Ms Stewart feel more comfortable in her hospital room, the family are printing out photographs to cover the wall and “surround her with positive memories, for when she becomes conscious”.
Mr Stewart added that friends had created playlists of his sister’s favourite songs over the years to play to her while she remains on life-support.
He said the family would continue to provide updates throughout Ms Stewart’s recovery.
“Again, thank you all so much for your prayers, words of support, care, generosity and kindness,” he said.
“Your love, concern and help has made a world of difference to giving Leah and her little family some stability and hope for her recovery.”
Ms Stewart worked as a teacher before the accident.
The school she works at, Hurstville Adventist School, paid tribute to her in a social media post overnight, penned by principal Erika Ratu.
“Our hearts are with Miss Leah Stewart, her daughter, partner and her family,” she wrote.
“Miss Stewart has a beautiful way of bringing joy and light into every space—she is deeply caring, advocates for others, and treats everyone with warmth and kindness. She is deeply loved by our students, staff and parents.
“We continue to hold Leah and her family in our prayers during this time, and we are so grateful for the outpouring of support, love and care from our wider community.”
