A 17-year-old survived a shark attack at a beach close to North Carolina’s Fort Macon State Park on June 2 because her father punched the shark five times.
Winter’s grandmother, Janet Winter, wrote on Facebook how Winter was saved by her dad’s quick actions. “Thank God our son was with her he said he punched the shark in the face 5 times before it let go. Wish we could be with them,” she wrote in response to a comment.
She said that the teen would lose her left leg above the knee and some fingers. “Many prayers needed our 17 year old granddaughter Paige Winter was attacked by a shark today. In surgery now will lose leg above the knee and some fingers,” she wrote.
In another comment, Janet said Winter may need a “hand transplant in the future and several on the other.”
A witness described the moment when Winter got out of the sea after the attack. “All of a sudden everyone started screaming, and I looked to my left and they were rushing towards this little girl. She looked little but she’s actually 17,” Lacy Whorton told WRAL.
“And it looked like she was belly crawling on the beach and officials were running towards her and whistles were blowing and everyone was screaming and they quickly got everybody out of the water,” she said.
“Her family expresses their appreciation for the first responders, the individuals on the beach who helped, and her heroic father who saved her life,” said Vidant Medical Center.
The Atlantic Beach Fire Department (ABFD) said it still doesn’t know what kind of shark was involved in the attack. “ABFD cannot confirm what type of marine life was involved until further information is received from specialists and marine biologists. We will provide further updates when more accurate information is received,” it said, according to media reports.
The GoFundMe page has raised over $5,400 for Winter. “No donation is too small and the funds will be used to assist in the many surgeries, physical therapy, prosthetics, recovery process, and Charlie’s missed days from work,” said the appeal.
The teen girl is reportedly a marine life lover and, despite the attack, continues to love sharks. “Despite this unfortunate circumstance, Paige is an unwavering advocate for the marine life and the animals who live in the water. She wishes for people to continue to respect sharks in their environment and their safety,” ABFD said.
An updated message on GoFundMe said: “Per Marcy Winter (Paige’s Mom) Paige is out of surgery and awake, she’s still pretty groggy but cracking jokes. She wants everyone to know that sharks are still good people.”
Donors on the fundraising platform appreciated Winter’s never-die spirit. “Your attitude when faced with adversity is inspiring. Wishing you a speedy recovery,” said Lani Bouchacourt.
“You are strong, you are in my prayers,” said Vickie Strickland.
