12-Year-Old Boy Dies After Shark Attack in Sydney Harbour: Family Remembers Him as ‘Kind and Generous’

A 12-year-old boy who was critically injured in a shark attack in Sydney Harbour has died days after the tragic incident, authorities and his family confirmed.

Nico Antic passed away in hospital on Saturday, Jan. 24, nearly a week after he was attacked while swimming in New South Wales, Australia. His parents, Lorena and Juan Antic, had previously shared that their son had been declared brain dead following the attack.

According to New South Wales Police, emergency responders were called to the Hermitage Foreshore Walk in Vaucluse around 4:20 p.m. local time on Sunday, Jan. 18, after reports that a child had been bitten by a shark. Nico was found with severe leg injuries and was rushed to Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick in critical condition.

Despite intensive medical efforts, doctors were unable to save him.

In a heartbreaking message shared on GoFundMe, Nico’s family paid tribute to the young boy’s spirit and kindness.

“We are heartbroken that our son, Nico, has passed away,” the family wrote. “Nico was a happy, friendly and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit. He was always full of life, and that is how we will remember him.”

They also expressed gratitude to emergency responders, hospital staff and the wider community for their support during the devastating ordeal.

“We sincerely thank the first responders and the teams at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, for everything they did to care for Nico,” the statement continued.

Local reports say Nico had been swimming with two friends and jumping from a rock approximately six meters (nearly 20 feet) high when the shark attack occurred. One of the boys managed to pull Nico from the water and remained with him until help arrived.

“He kept fighting and breathing in my arms and never gave up for a second,” the friend told local media. “There was a brief moment when Nico woke up while he was bleeding and looked at me. I’m shocked he fought for so long.”

Authorities believe the shark involved may have been a bull shark, though the investigation remains ongoing.

The incident comes amid a recent series of shark encounters in the Sydney area. In the days following Nico’s attack, several other shark-related incidents were reported along the New South Wales coastline, including injuries to surfers at North Steyne Beach and other nearby locations.

The tragedy has left the local community mourning the loss of a young life remembered for bravery, warmth and compassion.