Gerrard Kaonga
The heartbroken family of a 15-year-old surfer who died after a shark attack has spoken out about the tragedy.
Khai Cowley, 15, was with family members surfing at a popular beach in Australia before he was attacked.
The talented surfer was killed after a white pointer, also known as a great white shark, attacked him and bit off his leg on Thursday (December 28) at Ethel Beach in the Innes National Park.
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One person who witnessed the harrowing ordeal just days after Christmas spoke to the Adelaide Advertiser, saying: "The shark took his leg, and so another local guy ran out, jumped on his board and paddled out to help him.
"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."
His family has since spoken to Australia’s Nine News about the overwhelming support they have received from the surfing community and strangers since his death.
“So hurting...I've never seen people so hurt, honestly... it's something to behold,” Khai’s grandfather Peter Barley told Nine News.
“We are a very close strong family and we'll get through it.
“The connection between Adam [Khai's uncle] and Khai, witnessing it used to make me cry sometimes.
“When we were out in the water, it was like magic. Us three together, it was magical.
“The guy that tried to save him, his name was Tim, he risked his life, knowing he had children, to save Khai, to make sure his body didn’t get washed out to sea.
“Even if Khai would have survived this he would have still kept surfing, that was the nature of Khai. I keep thinking at any minute he’s just going to keep walking through the front door.
“Because there is so much love coming his way it sort of negates the tragedy because of the beauty of his soul.”
Khai’s uncle Adam Barley added: “We have all been out there. We have all had scares or moments, but you don’t realize how close you are to it sometimes.
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“He really did make the most of life, he didn’t waste a second.”
The family has since set up a GoFundMe page and have already massively exceeded the goal of AUS$7,500.
So far over $80,000 has been raised after almost 1,500 donations.
The GoFundMe message reads: “Hi my name is Lauryn, Aunty to our beloved Khai, who was suddenly taken from us by a white pointer while surfing at Ethel Wreck off the coast of Yorke Penisula.
“I’m here to try help raise funds for my sister, Kate and brother, Tim to cover the cost of the funeral service. Any donations will be most appreciated."