SYDNEY — Leah Stewart, a 34-year-old teacher, was attacked by a great white shark off the coast of Sydney's Coogee Beach on June 13, 2024. She sustained multiple bites across her arms and legs, lacerations, fractures, and extreme blood loss, and underwent an arm amputation.

Stewart is no longer in critical condition and has been taken out of a medically induced coma. Her brother, Joshua Stewart, provided an update on a fundraising site on Thursday, stating, "It's amazing to hear from her so much sooner than anyone expected." Stewart remains in the intensive care unit and will require a high level of medical care and multiple surgeries in the coming weeks.

Doctors were able to extubate Stewart and reduce her sedation level to bring her out of the induced coma for a short period. Joshua Stewart said this allowed her to share her first words, "I love you," with her Mum and partner Fernando. Her mother and partner Fernando have been by her side in the ICU since the incident. Joshua Stewart also said that Stewart's first thoughts were about her baby daughter, August, who was on the beach when the attack occurred.

Stewart remembers the entire event in detail. Her remaining arm has severe tendon and nerve damage that will necessitate further repair and intensive rehabilitation. She does not yet have use of her hand. Joshua Stewart indicated that the recovery and rehabilitation process will be extensive, with surgeries continuing through the coming weeks. He also stated that Stewart was overjoyed to see her daughter for the first time since the incident.

Stewart was swimming about 100 feet from shore when the attack happened. An off-duty lifeguard pulled her from the water, and a critical care doctor who was present on the beach worked with first responders to help stabilize her. Stewart competed in the Coogee Island Challenge, an annual 1.5-mile race, in 2024. She has also swum over 30 miles to raise money for breast cancer research. A GoFundMe seeking donations for her recovery has raised over $505,028 of its AU$550,000 goal.