The devastated family of a 12-year-old boy killed in a horrific shark attack have paid an emotional tribute to their "happy and friendly" son, describing him as a sporty young boy with a kind and generous spirit.
Tragic incident at Sydney beach
Nico Antic, aged 12, was playing with friends at a beach in Sydney on January 18 when the tragic incident occurred. The young boy had been jumping off a rock ledge into the water when he was bitten by a shark, suffering severe leg injuries in the attack.
Emergency services rushed to the scene within minutes, and Nico was transported to Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick where he was placed in intensive care. Despite the best efforts of medical teams, his parents Lorena and Juan confirmed early this morning that their son had died in hospital almost a week after the attack.
Family's heartbreaking tribute
In a statement issued by the family, they remembered their son as "a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit." They added: "He was always full of life and that's how we'll remember him."
The family expressed their sincere gratitude to the first responders and medical teams at Sydney Children's Hospital who cared for Nico, and thanked the community for their support and kind messages during this exceptionally difficult time.
Series of shark incidents
Authorities believe the attack involved a bull shark, and this tragedy marked the first of four reported shark incidents in New South Wales within just two days this week. The concerning cluster of attacks has raised serious questions about beach safety and shark activity in the region.
Nico's friends have been praised for their courageous actions during the incident, having entered the water to pull the injured boy to safety after the attack occurred.
Community support and safety warnings
An online fundraiser established to support Nico's family has raised an impressive $240,000 (approximately £121,000), demonstrating the community's solidarity with the grieving family.
Addressing the concerning rise in shark activity around Sydney, Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce provided important safety advice to beachgoers. He explained that after significant weather events, there's typically increased run-off and outflow from creeks into ocean and river mouths, creating 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 told the ABC. "If it's dirty water I'd think twice about going in there."
He added concerningly: "We have such poor water quality that's conducive to bull shark activity... [so] just go to a local pool, because at this stage, we're advising that the beaches are unsafe."
The tragic death of Nico Antic has sent shockwaves through the Sydney community and serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers in coastal waters, particularly following weather events that can alter marine environments and shark behaviour patterns.
