“‘MY BABY WAS RIGHT THERE ON THE BEACH.’” What began as a peaceful morning swim turned into a scene of panic and heartbreak after a young mother was seriously injured in a sudden shark encounter while her infant remained just yards away on the shoreline. Witnesses say the situation unfolded so quickly that beachgoers barely had time to react, transforming an ordinary family outing into a moment that has left an entire community shaken. As new details emerge and experts examine what may have led to the encounter, the incident is sparking emotional debate about beach safety, wildlife activity near popular swimming areas, and how one family’s life changed in a matter of seconds.

A woman who lost her arm when she was viciously attacked by a great white shark while out for a morning swim has been identified as a “loving” teacher and new mom whose baby was on the beach at the time.

Leah Stewart, 35, is on life support after she was bitten multiple times off the coast of Sydney, Australia’s iconic Coogee Beach early Saturday, leaving her with brutal injuries that forced doctors to amputate her arm, according to family members.

Leah Stewart
Leah Stewart, 35, lost her arm after she was attacked by a shark off Australia.Gofundme

In addition to losing her arm, Stewart, who has a 1-year-old daughter, suffered several bites on her limbs, bone fractures and “severe blood loss” in the attack, her brother, Joshua, wrote on a GoFundMe page raising money for medical expenses.

“Leah is a dedicated and loving mother, a passionate teacher, and a Coogee local who loves the ocean,” he wrote.

“As a family we are shocked and devastated that this could happen to our beloved partner, daughter and mother who is so full of life and energy,” he said, adding she will have to undergo more surgeries.

Stewart, an accomplished swimmer, was attacked just about 100 feet from shore while a friend was watching over her young daughter on the beach. Her partner was traveling overseas at the time, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

An off-duty lifeguard rushed into the ocean and pulled Stewart to the beach, where a critical care doctor who happened to be there worked with first responders to stabilize her. She was then airlifted to the hospital, according to the Herald.

In November, Stewart swam more than 30 miles to raise money for breast cancer research and in 2024, competed in the Coogee Island Challenge, an annual 1.5-mile race.

An off-duty lifeguard pulled Stewart from the water.
An off-duty lifeguard pulled Stewart from the water.REUTERS

She and her partner welcomed a daughter early last year and are well-known beachgoers in the community.

“We share our sincere thanks and gratitude to the lifesavers, first responders, helicopter crew, and the dedicated medical team of doctors, nurses, and support staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital Sydney who have been caring for Leah,” her family said in a statement to the Herald.

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