Surfing icon Bethany Hamilton has opened up about the heartbreaking loss of her three-year-old nephew, Andrew Samuel Hamilton, who tragically passed away after being found unconscious in a bathtub in Oahu, Hawaii.
This devastating event occurred just days after he suffered severe injuries from a drowning incident at home.
In a poignant Instagram post, Hamilton expressed her sorrow and gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans, sharing that her family would miss Andrew deeply.
She emphasized their faith in a higher power, saying, “The Lord has received my sweet nephew Andrew into his beautiful care. While my family and I will miss him dearly, we trust that his joy is full with Jesus.”
A Family’s Pain and Faith
Hamilton also shared a powerful prayer that her brother had recited during this difficult time, highlighting the importance of faith.
“Faith is to trust that God’s will for our life is greater than our own,” she noted, reinforcing their family’s belief during this trying period.
She thanked everyone for their love, prayers, and support, wishing them blessings in return.
Fans and supporters flooded social media with condolences, with one person writing, “My sincerest condolences and prayers to you and your family.
Andrew is on his new path with a greater purpose, and while his time here was shorter than desired, it was so precious.
Until you meet again.” Former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard also reached out, offering her prayers and support to the grieving family.
A Father’s Heartbreak
In a heart-wrenching post, Andrew’s father shared the family’s grief, stating that Andrew’s passing came after “all of the best life-saving interventions had been exhausted.”
He expressed the depth of their pain, saying, “It hurts terribly, and we miss Andrew more than words can express.”
He also emphasized the support of their community, noting the strength they found in prayers and the teachings of their faith.
Andrew had been found unconscious and not breathing in the bathtub on October 11, shortly after his parents had given him a soak in Epsom salts due to a fever.
His father described the situation as “baffling,” given that Andrew was just 15 feet away from where his parents were in the kitchen and living room, and was known to be an “amazing swimmer.”
Seeking Miracles
After being revived with chest compressions, Andrew was rushed to the hospital and later airlifted to Kapiolani Medical Center in Oahu on October 12.
Bethany, a renowned shark attack survivor, shared her anguish with her fans, saying, “We are wrecked. But I know how proper medical support can make or break someone’s chance of survival.
In this case, we’re asking for help from anyone who has information on what we can do to give my nephew the best chance.”
Bethany’s brother Noah, who is not Andrew’s father, also reached out for prayers, referring to his nephew as a “strong, resilient kid” and an “amazing swimmer.”
He wrote about the distressing situation, saying, “Join us in prayer for my brother’s fifth youngest child Andrew as he was life-flighted to Oahu in the middle of the night.”
A Legacy of Resilience
Tragically, on Saturday, the family revealed that Andrew had succumbed to his injuries despite all attempts at saving him.
Bethany Hamilton is well-known for her incredible resilience, having survived a shark attack at just 13 years old.
In 2003, while surfing in Kauai, a tiger shark bit off her left arm, but she made a remarkable recovery and returned to the sport within a month.
Bethany’s inspiring journey has touched many lives, and now, as she and her family navigate this unimaginable loss, the love and support from her fans and the community continue to shine a light in their darkest hour.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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