The parents of 12-year-old Nico Antic have confirmed the devastating outcome following the shark attack that shocked Sydney.
In a statement released on Saturday through Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Lorena and Juan Antic said their son has died after days in critical care.
Their words were simple, raw, and full of love — the kind that leaves no doubt about the size of the loss their family is now carrying.
A Normal Afternoon That Turned Tragic
Nico was spending time with friends on Sunday afternoon at Nielsen Park, a popular spot in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
At around 4.20pm, the group had been jumping into the water from a six-metre rock ledge — something local kids have done for years.
Moments after Nico entered the water, a suspected bull shark struck.
The attack caused catastrophic injuries to both of his legs, turning a carefree summer afternoon into a fight for survival.
A Friend’s Courage in the Face of Terror
What followed could have ended even faster if not for the bravery of one of Nico’s friends.
As the shark continued to circle nearby, the young boy jumped into the water, grabbed Nico, and dragged him back onto the rocks.
Later, speaking to 7News, the friend described Nico’s determination in the moments after the attack.
“He kept fighting and breathing in my arms and he never gave up for a second,” he said. “He’s the most stubborn person I know.”
Parents Remember a Boy Full of Life
In their statement, Nico’s parents painted a picture of the boy they raised — not defined by tragedy, but by joy.
“Nico was a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit,” they wrote.
“He was always full of life and that’s how we’ll remember him.”
They also thanked first responders, hospital staff, and the wider community for their efforts and overwhelming support, before asking for privacy during what they described as an “exceptionally difficult time.”
Community Support Grows Around a Grieving Family
As news of the attack spread, family friend Victor Pineiro launched a fundraiser to help cover medical and family expenses.
Within days, more than $238,000 had been donated.
Pineiro described the incident as the “worst possible outcome,” noting that members of Nico’s extended family live overseas and will need to travel to Australia to say goodbye.
Messages of grief and solidarity have continued to pour in online, many from strangers shaken by the loss of a child in such sudden and violent circumstances.
A String of Shark Encounters Raises Alarm
Nico’s attack was the first in a series of shark encounters across New South Wales in just three days.
Since then, a surfer suffered minor injuries at Point Plomer, another was left critically injured at North Steyne Beach in Manly, and an 11-year-old boy was knocked from his board at Dee Why Beach but escaped unharmed.
The cluster of incidents sparked temporary beach closures and renewed concern about shark activity along the coast.
Beaches Set to Reopen Ahead of Australia Day
Despite the recent attacks, NSW authorities have confirmed that beaches will remain open for the Australia Day long weekend.
The state’s shark management program — which received a $2.5 million funding boost in December — includes SMART drumlines and drone patrols operating at 50 beaches during school holidays in an effort to reduce risk.
A Loss That Has Stopped a City Cold
For many Australians, the story of Nico Antic has cut deeper than headlines usually do.
A young life, a brave friend, grieving parents, and a community left reeling — it’s a reminder of how quickly joy can turn into heartbreak.
For now, the focus remains where it belongs: on remembering a boy who loved life, and on giving his family the space to grieve a loss no parent should ever have to face.
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