Shark Attack Survivor: An 'Army' Helped Save Me

Australian mom reflects on 'remarkable' recovery since June horror
Posted Aug 24, 2026 9:52 AM CDT
Shark Attack Survivor: I Saw the Face of a 'Monster'
Leah Stewart with her young daughter.   (GoFundMe)

Leah Stewart says she remembers every second. The 34-year-old Australian mother, who was severely injured in a June shark attack while swimming at Sydney's Coogee Beach, has spoken publicly as she continues a lengthy recovery that included multiple surgeries and the amputation of an arm. In an interview set to air on 60 Minutes Australia, Stewart recalls a suspected great white clamping onto her leg and says her focus was on surviving for her young daughter, August, who was with a friend on the beach. A triple-0 call from the incident, reportedly describing "a lot of blood," is also expected to be broadcast.

Two months on, Stewart recalls seeing the "horrific" face of "a monster," per News.com.au. But she also reflects on her "remarkable" recovery and credits what she calls an "army" of support from around the world. A GoFundMe campaign has raised about $400,000 for her rehabilitation and prosthetics; Stewart has now asked for donations to be switched off, saying the funds are enough to help her family stay in their home and pursue further treatment. She writes that she feels she's been given "a second chance at life" and plans to "make something of this second chance" by giving back.

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