Boy, 12, dies following shark attack while swimming at popular cliff-jumping spot: 'We are heartbroken'
A 12-year-old Australian boy has died following a brutal shark attack in Sydney Harbor, his family confirmed Saturday.
Nico Antic had been fighting for his life since Jan. 18, when he was attacked while swimming at a popular cliff-jumping spot known as Jump Rock near Shark Beach in the eastern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse.
His family announced Saturday that he had died.
"We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away," Nico’s parents, Lorena and Juan, said in a statement. "Nico was a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit. He was always full of life and that’s how we’ll remember him."
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They also thanked first responders and medical staff at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick for their efforts, as well as members of the community for their support.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by a family friend had raised more than $266,000 as of Saturday evening.
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According to police, the attack took place at around 4:20 p.m. on Jan. 18, after Antic jumped from a 20-foot ledge into the water. He suffered severe injuries to both legs, believed to have been caused by a large shark.
His three friends immediately jumped into the water, pulled him to shore and called for help. Antic was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Local media reported at the time that he had lost both legs.
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The tragedy comes amid a surge in shark incidents across Australia. Dozens of beaches were closed this week after four shark attacks in mere days.
Australia averages roughly 20 shark attacks a year, with fewer than three proving fatal, according to Reuters.
Fox News Digital's Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.