Family Confirms Death of 12-Year-Old Boy After a Shark Attack in Sydney Harbor [WATCH]

A 12-year-old Australian boy who was critically injured in a shark attack while swimming in Sydney Harbor has died, his family confirmed Saturday, as reported by Fox News.

Nico Antic had been hospitalized since Jan. 18 after the attack, which occurred at a popular cliff-jumping location known as Jump Rock near Shark Beach in the eastern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse.

⚠️ Tragic news

A 12-year-old boy named Nico Antic died after a bull shark bit his legs very badly.

He was hurt while jumping off rocks into the water at Vaucluse in Sydney Harbour on January 18.

He passed away six days later on January 24 despite doctors trying to save him.… pic.twitter.com/7wvvnbdrzT

— Xnews_with_Grok (@Xnews_with_grok) January 25, 2026

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The incident happened in Sydney Harbor during the afternoon.

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Nico’s parents, Lorena and Juan Antic, announced his death in a statement released Saturday.

“We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away,” they said. “Nico was a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit. He was always full of life, and that’s how we’ll remember him.”

Twelve-year-old Nico Antic died from injuries sustained in a shark attack at Vaucluse almost a week ago, as Sydney beaches face heightened shark activity over the Australia Day long weekend. pic.twitter.com/Up9bmQuWDz

— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) January 24, 2026

The family also expressed gratitude to first responders, medical staff, and community members who supported them during the ordeal.

They specifically thanked doctors and nurses at Sydney Children’s Hospital, where Nico had been receiving treatment since the attack.

According to New South Wales police, the attack occurred at approximately 4:20 p.m. on Jan. 18 after Nico jumped from a ledge estimated to be about 20 feet high into the water.

Authorities said he sustained severe injuries to both legs, which were believed to have been caused by a large shark.

Witnesses told police that Nico had been swimming with three friends at the time of the attack. His friends immediately jumped into the water to assist him, pulled him to shore, and called emergency services.

Paramedics rushed Nico to the hospital in critical condition. Local media later reported that he had lost both legs as a result of the injuries.

In the days following the attack, a GoFundMe campaign launched by a family friend raised more than $266,000 as of Saturday evening to assist the Antic family with medical and related expenses.

Nico’s death comes amid a recent surge in shark incidents across Australia.

In the days following his attack, dozens of beaches were closed nationwide after four shark attacks were reported within a short span of time, according to local authorities.

Australia experiences an average of about 20 shark attacks each year, with fewer than three resulting in fatalities, according to data cited by Reuters.

Officials have not announced any additional safety measures related to the Jump Rock area, which is known locally as a popular swimming and cliff-jumping spot.

Authorities continue to warn swimmers and beachgoers to remain alert, particularly during periods of increased shark activity.

Fox News Digital reported that Stephen Sorace contributed to coverage of the incident.

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