Mom, 34, Who Lost Arm to Shark Attack Tells Family She ‘Remembers’ Everything After Coming Out of Coma 12 Days Later

A teacher from Australia, Leah Stewart, is making significant progress in her recovery after surviving a harrowing shark attack earlier this month. The 34-year-old was placed in a medically induced coma following the incident on June 13 at Coogee Beach in Sydney, but has now awakened and is alert, much earlier than her family had anticipated.

Joshua Stewart, Leah’s brother, shared the encouraging news on a GoFundMe page established to assist with her recovery costs. He noted that Leah can remember the details surrounding the traumatic event, which has shocked both the family and the broader community. “It’s amazing to hear from her so much sooner than anyone expected,” he remarked in an update provided on June 25.

In a heartwarming turn of events, Leah was reunited with her 1-year-old daughter, August, after the attack. This emotional meeting occurred just after Leah emerged from the heavy sedation that had kept her unresponsive for several days. Despite the challenging circumstances, her family expresses gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received during this difficult time.

Following the attack, Leah sustained severe and life-threatening injuries, leading to her being placed on life support. Reports indicate that she suffered multiple bites to her arms and legs, which resulted in the amputation of one of her arms. Her brother detailed that Leah is also dealing with extensive lacerations, fractures, and significant blood loss.

Currently, Leah faces an uphill battle regarding her recovery. According to Joshua, she does not have full use of her remaining hand due to severe tendon and nerve damage, which will require extensive repairs and rehabilitation. He expressed the family’s shock and devastation over the incident, calling Leah a beloved partner, daughter, and mother who is full of life and energy.

The attack has highlighted the risks of swimming in Australian waters, where shark encounters, while rare, can be fatal. Just weeks prior to Leah’s incident, another man lost his life while spearfishing in Queensland, underscoring the ongoing concern about shark safety in the country.

As Leah continues her recovery, her family is focused on her healing journey. Joshua stated that although she will eventually want to share her story in greater detail, for now, Leah is concentrating on resting and healing. Her medical team is supporting her through pain management, ongoing testing, and preparations for further surgeries.

The community support for Leah has been overwhelming, with contributions to her GoFundMe page aiding in her medical expenses as she embarks on a long path of rehabilitation. Her brother expressed confidence in her fortitude, stating, “Leah has shown she is so strong, fighting to come back to her daughter August.”

As Leah Stewart steadily progresses on her journey towards recovery, the hope remains that her resilience will enable her to overcome the physical and emotional challenges ahead. The local community and her loved ones continue to rally around her, demonstrating a powerful network of support during a time of crisis. Leah’s story is a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.