Shark Attack Victim with Tooth Lodged in His Bone Vows to Surf Again (Video)
Back in July, then 21-year-old University of Central Florida student Chris Popisil was surfing New Smyrna – aka the shark bite capital of the world – when he was attacked.
A shark chomped down on Chris’s left foot, pulled him off his board, and did some serious damage. He lost “1 large Chick-fil-a sized cup of blood,” according to a GoFundMe account set up for his medical bills, in addition to tearing seven tendons, and during surgery, “the surgeon even found a shark's tooth stuck in his bone.”
But he lived. And now, after a few months on the mend, Chris is ready to surf again.
While celebrating his 22nd birthday recently, with a boot on his foot but no crutches anymore, the community rallied for Chris to raise money for his medical bills.
And Chris talked to local news about his status, and his desire to get back in the water.
“There’s been a lot of ups and downs,” Chris told Fox 35 Orlando.
“Some days I’m kinda just depressed. I’m just really anxious to get back in the water, and go out and live a normal life again. When people come around and visit me, it means the world.”
Chris’s mom added:
“He will be back in the ocean again. It’s really important to me that people understand that you can’t live your life in fear. If you love doing something, it’s important to do it.”
Telling the story, and posting images of the damage of the attack, Chris posted the following:
“On 7/14/23 unfortunately I was bit by a shark while surfing New Smyrna inlet. The bite was severe severing 7 tendons in my foot 1 artery. I lost a substantial amount of blood and had to be rushed into emergency surgery. My surgeon was able to repair all 7 of the severed tendons and I am expected to make a full recovery. I cannot walk for 6-8 weeks following that I also have 6-8 months of physical therapy before I can get back into the water. If it wasn’t for the quick reaction of my best friend @reece.redish who carried me out of the water, my situation would of been way worse. I also want to say a special thank you for everyone that has been showing me their love and support it really means a lot to me get keeps me pushing through these tough times love u guys ??????”
To support, check out Chris’s GoFundMe account.
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