US3 min(s) read
Published 16:30 24 Jun 2026 GMT
A mother who suffered life-threatening injuries in a shark attack off the coast of Australia has spoken for the first time since being brought out of a medically induced coma.
Leah Stewart, a 34-year-old teacher and mom, was attacked while swimming near Sydney’s Coogee Beach on June 13. After more than a week in intensive care, multiple surgeries, and days on life support, her family has shared a hopeful update on her condition.
The breakthrough came on June 23 when doctors were able to extubate Stewart and reduce her sedation levels for the first time since the attack. According to her brother, Joshua Stewart, the move allowed her to briefly wake and interact with loved ones gathered at her bedside.
In an update posted to a GoFundMe page, Joshua described the emotional moment.
“This allowed Leah to share her first words ‘I love you’ with her Mum and partner Fernando who have been by her side in ICU since the incident,” Joshua wrote. "Leah’s first thought was of her 1-year-old daughter, August, and she immediately asked if she was okay."
He added: “This is a lot faster than anyone expected,” he continued, “and for us this feels like a miracle and is everything so many of us have hoped and prayed for over the past week.”
The update marks a significant step forward for Stewart, who remains in critical care following the devastating attack.
According to information previously shared by her family, Stewart sustained severe injuries during the attack, including multiple bites to her arms and legs. One of her arms was amputated, and she also suffered “lacerations and fractures throughout her body, and extreme blood loss.”
A friend was caring for Stewart’s toddler on the beach when the attack occurred. Her partner, Fernando, was overseas for work at the time, according to the family’s fundraiser.
Following the incident, 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.”
While Stewart remains in the ICU and faces additional surgeries in the weeks ahead, support for her recovery has poured in from both her local community and strangers around the world.
As of June 24, the family’s GoFundMe campaign had raised nearly AUD $498,000 (approximately USD $343,500) to help cover her ongoing care and recovery.
Joshua said the recent interaction with his sister has given the family renewed optimism.
“Leah has a long road ahead and still remains in critical care,” he wrote, “but this is such a positive first step and gives us hope for Leah’s long-term recovery.”
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