Sydney shark attack victim Nico Antic, 12, dies in hospital after week-long fight
The 12-year-old boy who was mauled by a shark in Sydney Harbour has tragically died in hospital, nearly a week after the horrific attack that shocked the community. Nico Antic passed away at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, where he had been receiving intensive care since the incident on Sunday, January 18.
Family's heartbreak over 'kind and generous spirited' boy
Nico's parents, Lorena and Juan Antic, have expressed their profound grief in a moving statement released to the public. "Nico was a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit," the family said. "He was always full of life and that's how we'll remember him."
The family extended their sincere gratitude to the first responders who rushed to the scene and the medical teams at Sydney Children's Hospital who fought to save their son's life. They also thanked the wider community for their overwhelming support and kind messages during this devastating period.
Details of the tragic attack at Nielsen Beach
The attack occurred at Nielsen Beach, an area locally known as Shark Beach, where Nico was enjoying time with friends. The boys were reportedly jumping off rocks at the end of the beach when the suspected bull shark struck, causing serious leg injuries.
Friends displayed remarkable bravery by entering the water to pull Nico to safety before emergency services arrived within minutes. This incident marked the first in a series of four shark attacks that have occurred in Sydney waters in the days following Nico's hospitalisation.
Medical battle and family's earlier statements
Earlier in the week, Nico's sister Sophie had revealed to the Daily Mail that her brother was "still asleep, but will not be able to make it because his brain is completely unresponsive." She described him as "a sporty kid who never fails to put a smile on people's faces" and emphasised how deeply he was loved by friends and family.
Expert warnings about shark activity and water safety
Commenting on the increased shark activity in Sydney, Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce issued stark warnings to swimmers. Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Pearce explained that after significant weather events, run-off from creeks and river mouths creates conditions that attract sharks.
"We really strongly advocate that nobody swim or surf near river mouths because it's obviously an area where sharks congregate," Pearce stated. "If it's dirty water I'd think twice about going in there."
He further cautioned that current water quality conditions are particularly conducive to bull shark activity, advising people to consider swimming in local pools instead. "At this stage, we're advising that the beaches are unsafe," Pearce added, highlighting the serious nature of the current marine threat.
The family has requested privacy as they navigate this exceptionally difficult time, while the community mourns the loss of a young life cut tragically short.
