A woman is fighting for her life after losing an arm in a devastating shark attack off the coast of Sydney, Australia.
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Leah Stewart, 35, remains on life support after being bitten multiple times while swimming at Coogee Beach on Saturday morning.
According to her family, the injuries were so severe that doctors were forced to amputate one of her arms.
Shark Attack Leaves Mother Fighting for Her Life
Stewart's brother, Joshua, shared details of the incident on a GoFundMe page established to help cover medical expenses and support the family during her recovery.
He said his sister suffered multiple bite wounds to her limbs, bone fractures, and "severe blood loss" during the attack.
The 35-year-old is the mother of a one-year-old daughter and remains in critical condition.
"Leah is a dedicated and loving mother, a passionate teacher, and a Coogee local who loves the ocean," Joshua 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 added that Stewart is expected to undergo several additional surgeries as doctors continue treating her injuries.
Family Thanks Rescuers and Medical Staff
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Stewart was attacked approximately 100 feet from shore. A friend was watching her young daughter on the beach at the time.
Her partner was reportedly overseas at the time of the incident.
An off-duty lifeguard rushed into the water and brought Stewart back to shore. Then a critical care doctor who happened to be at the beach joined the first responders in stabilizing her condition.
She was later airlifted to hospital for emergency treatment.
"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," the family said in a statement.
"Our thanks to all who have reached out to the family with sympathy, care and prayer."
Stewart and her partner welcomed their daughter early last year and are well known in the local beach community.
The attack comes amid a concerning year for shark-related fatalities in Australia.
Following the deaths of three spearfishing divers in May, the country's shark-related death toll for 2026 has already surpassed the typical annual average of two to three fatalities.
