• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Dad watched on in horror as 13ft shark killed his surfer son in 'nightmare' attack

Home> News> Animals

Published 17:17 20 Oct 2024 GMT+1

Dad watched on in horror as 13ft shark killed his surfer son in 'nightmare' attack

15-year-old Khai Cowley was killed last December

Callum Jones

Callum Jones

A dad of a keen surfer was forced to watch on in horror as his son was killed by a 13ft shark at a popular Australian beach.

15-year-old Khai Cowley was pulled from Ethel Beach in Australia last December, just minutes after the awful incident.

The attack happened in the Innes National Park, sending shockwaves across the local community.

Khai's leg was bitten off by the shark, as witnesses say his horrified father looked on in utter horror.

Advert

The dad treated his son to a post-Christmas visit to the beach so he could practice his skills.

But the day ended in tragedy, with one person who witnessed the whole thing speaking to the Adelaide Advertiser in the aftermath.

Khai Cowley died last December (Facebook/Khai Cowley)
Khai Cowley died last December (Facebook/Khai Cowley)

They said: "The shark took his leg, and so another local guy ran out, jumped on his board and paddled out to help him.

Advert

"The shark was circling them as the guy pulled the boy out of the water. There was a lot of blood.

"He brought him to shore but I think it was too late by then."

Huge crowds gathered at his favorite Seaford beach in January to honour Khai at his funeral, including his heartbroken father, as the local council said more than 500 guests were set to attend the vigil.

Mourners carried the teen's coffin through a guard of honour, as Khai's younger brother, Jett, walked ahead holding his surfboard.

Advert

Jett paid tribute to the 'best big brother ever' in an emotional funeral.

Tim Cowley, Khai's father, said: "It’s so cruel that he’s been taken from us at such a young age."

A touching tribute at the funeral (9News)
A touching tribute at the funeral (9News)

Speaking of his love for surfing, the dad added: "Most of the time it was beyond my ability, leaving me no choice but to sit on the beach and watch my beautiful boy do what he loved.

Advert

"We miss you so much. You filled our lives with so many beautiful memories. I’m so sorry it went the way it did."

A GoFundMe page was set up in Khai's memory, with his aunt, Lauryn Barley writing that Khai was 'suddenly taken ... by a white pointer at Ethel Wreck'.

"I’m here to try help raise funds for my sister, Kate and brother, Tim to cover the cost of the funeral service," a family friend posted alongside the donation. "Life can change in a second and we are never prepared."

Many believed Khai was destined to reach the top in surfing, ranking as the 146th under 18 surfer in Australia before his tragic death.

Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Khai Cowley

Topics: Australia, Community, Shark

Callum Jones
Callum Jones

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

4 hours ago
5 hours ago
6 hours ago
  • Ángel Hidalgo
    4 hours ago

    People terrified as photographer captures world's 'first-ever' white Iberian Lynx thought to be extinct

    The beautiful beast was captured sitting in the sun before appearing to look directly at the camera

    News
  • Getty stock
    5 hours ago

    People left 'extremely disturbed' after discovering what Halloween Jack O'Lanterns originally looked like

    Traditionally, pumpkins weren't even the vegetable being carved out

    News
  • Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
    6 hours ago

    Prince Andrew stripped of 'prince' title and told to leave his home Royal Lodge as Crown releases statement

    It comes as King Charles has been under pressure following revelations in the posthumous memoir of Andrew's accuser, Virginia Giuffre

    News
  • Domenico Cippitelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images
    6 hours ago

    Mel Gibson sparks major backlash after casting pro-choice actor as Virgin Mary in upcoming film

    It isn't the first time the filmmaker, a known pro-lifer, has cast a pro-choice actor to take on a role in his biblical franchise

    Celebrity
  • Teen loses hand and leg in shocking Florida shark attack
  • Hundreds pay tribute to 15-year-old surfer mauled to death in 'nightmare' shark attack
  • Witnesses recall terrifying encounter after surfer is killed in shark attack
  • Terrifying clip shows moment surfer gets leg ripped off by great white shark just before it washed ashore