Nearly two weeks after a devastating shark attack left a 35-year-old woman fighting for her life, her family has shared a hopeful update on her recovery.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Leah Stewart was attacked by a shark off the coast of Sydney, Australia, on June 13. She was placed on life support after suffering catastrophic injuries.
She sustained multiple bite wounds to her arms and legs, fractured bones, severe blood loss, and ultimately had one of her arms amputated.
Doctors later placed Stewart in a medically induced coma, but she has now briefly regained consciousness.
Shark Attack Survivor Wakes From Induced Coma
Stewart was rushed to hospital in critical condition, where she underwent several emergency surgeries, including the amputation of her arm.
On Tuesday, her brother Joshua revealed that doctors had reduced her medication, allowing her to wake for a short period.
During that time, he said Stewart told her mother and partner, "I love you," before asking whether her young daughter was safe.
"This is a lot faster than anyone expected, and for us this feels like a miracle and is everything so many of us have hoped and prayed for over the past week," Joshua wrote online.
"Leah has a long road ahead and still remains in critical care, but this is such a positive first step and gives us hope for Leah's long term recovery."
The encouraging update has given family and friends renewed optimism as Stewart continues her recovery.
Recovery Continues After Multiple Surgeries
Despite the positive milestone, Stewart remains in intensive care and faces a lengthy recovery.
She has already undergone five days of surgery over the past week, with additional operations planned in the weeks ahead.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Stewart was attacked around 100 feet from shore while a friend watched her young daughter on the beach.
Her partner was reportedly overseas when the attack occurred.
An off-duty lifeguard rushed into the water and pulled Stewart to safety. Then, a critical care doctor, who happened to be at the beach, joined first responders in stabilizing her condition.
She was then airlifted to hospital for emergency treatment.
Stewart and her partner welcomed their daughter early last year and are well known within the local beach community.
Her attack comes during a particularly alarming year for shark incidents in Australia.
Following the deaths of three spearfishing divers in May. The country's shark-related death toll for 2026 has already exceeded the typical annual average of two to three fatalities.
