Kai Mckenzie expressed gratitude for the public support in the wake of a NSW shark attack that took his leg. Photo: Kai Mckenzie // Instagram
New South Wales surfer Kai McKenzie recently made his first public statement since losing his leg to a shark last week. Though news on whether his leg was able to be reattached is still not forthcoming, McKenzie is recovering in the hospital and promises to return to the water soon, according to the post on Instagram.
The encounter occurred around 11:00 a.m. at North Shore Beach, near Port Macquarie, where McKenzie was surfing when he was attacked by what experts believe to be a 10-foot great white shark. After fighting off the creature, Kai was able to paddle himself to shore, where he was aided by a passing retired police officer, who used a dog leash as a makeshift tourniquet to save the 23-year-old’s life. Shortly afterward, Kai’s severed leg washed up on shore.
McKenzie and his leg were rushed to Port Macquarie Base Hospital, then airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. From there, doctors saw to his wounds and assessed whether or not the leg could be reattached. In the days since, he underwent surgery and is now recovering in stable condition, but it is still unclear whether doctors were able to attempt reattachment of the leg.
“Man ohh fucking man to be here right now just to fucking be able to hold my beautiful Eve and my family is everything to me,” wrote Mckenzie in the caption to an Instagram post made from the hospital. “A few days ago I went through a crazy shark attack (biggest shark I’ve ever seen), which was a very crazy scene and scared the living fuck out of me, but to all you fucking kind hearted people, all you legends, to anyone and everyone all your support has meant the absolute world to me. It’s so cool to see so many beautiful people support me. There are so many messages to get back to, but I wanted to say a massive thanks to everyone for your generous donations on the go fund me page. We are so very grateful for everything. I can tell you now if you know my personality this means fuck all. I’ll be back in that water In no time! BIG FUCK OFF TO THAT SHARK and BIG THANKS to Steve for saving my life.”
The GoFundMe to raise funds for McKenzie’s medical expenses and recovery can be found here.
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