Kai McKenzie: Mauled surfer sees funny side after having leg ripped off
Days after being mauled by a shark, NSW surfer Kai McKenzie has revealed he can see the funny side of the attack which saw his leg ripped off.
The 23-year-old has taken to social media with a lighthearted post to thank the community for their support.
“Spot something missing?” he wrote in an Instagram post alongside a photo of himself with his friends in a hospital room.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Hahah, so good to have so many amazing people behind me I really appreciate it, love this crew so much thanks for coming yesterday 💖 and to all the donations f*****g unreal love you guys the links in my bio is g you’d like to donate.”
The Bonny Hills man was attacked by a three-metre great white shark at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie on Tuesday.
He managed to fight off the predator and catch a wave back to the shore but lost his right leg in the terrifying incident.
On shore, bystanders helped save Mr McKenzie’s life — including a retired police officer who used his dog’s lead as a makeshift tourniquet to stem the bleeding before he was airlifted to hospital.
Authorities say the actions of the former police officer in the moments after Mr McKenzie managed to get himself to shore “essentially saved his life”.
His leg later washed ashore and was retrieved by a police officer who put it on ice. It was later taken to John Hunter Hospital where Mr McKenzie was clinging to life.
He underwent delicate surgery to repair his injuries on Wednesday, although it appears his leg could not be saved.
Mr McKenzie broke his silence about the attack in another post on Saturday, writing: “Man ohh f****g man to be here right now just to f*****g be able to hold my beautiful Eve and my family is everything to me.”
“A few days ago I went through a crazy shark attack (biggest shark I’ve ever seen ) which was a very crazy scene and scared the living f**k out of me’” he wrote.
Mr McKenzie accompanied the post with an image of him embracing his partner Eve.
He also revealed the attack wouldn’t stop him from getting back in the water.
“I can tell you now if you know my personality this means f**k all,” he said.
“I’ll be back in that water In no time! BIG F**K OFF TO THAT SHARK and BIG THANKS to Steve for saving my life.”
A GoFundMe campaign set up by neighbour Lauren Mac has raised about $165,000 — far more than the $100,000 target.
“As you can imagine, the upcoming medical expenses for his recovery and rehabilitation are something no one would ever be prepared for. The funds raised will go into assisting Kai in every aspect of his recovery, “ Ms Mac wrote.
“They are a local family with hearts of gold that would never expect or ask anything of anybody, so let’s give back and show them that they have the community’s support in this.”
