More than $100,000 has been raised by hundreds of donors for a Navy employee who was attacked by a shark earlier this month and remains hospitalized with serious but undisclosed injuries.
A Naval Support Activity (NSA) Panama City employee was initially described by authorities as being in “critical condition” after he was attacked by a shark at approximately 11:45 a.m. June 8 at the NSAPC MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) Marina. The victim, reportedly described post-attack as a male in his late 20s and a Navy base employee for more than four years, was swimming during a lunch break when the incident occurred.
He was tended to post-attack by NSA Panama City Fire and Emergency Services. Zachary Harris, the NSA Panama City public affairs officer, told Military.com after the incident that the identity of the victim, in addition to any updates on his condition, could not be provided—adding that all recreational swimming activities in the installation waterways were initially halted to assess safety measures.
A GoFundMe started June 25 by Panama City resident Taylor Paige, whose relationship to the victim remains unknown, raised roughly $103,200 from 441 donors as of Monday afternoon. The fundraiser aims to raise $200,000 to cover ICU and rehabilitation costs, in addition to “essentials” for the family of the victim described as “a beloved, son and friend.”
“I’m reaching out on behalf of one of the strongest and most caring people I’ve ever known,” Paige wrote. “He is currently in the ICU following a sudden and severe shark attack. He and his family are facing an incredibly long and difficult road ahead.”
Paige added that out of respect for the privacy of the victim and his family, no names or identifying details are being provided.
Military.com reached out to Paige, GoFundMe and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Panama City for additional information.
Limited Details About Shark Attack
The victim was attacked in Saint Andrew Bay in Panama City, Fla., and is “currently fighting for recovery in intensive care.”
“Naval Support Activity Panama City Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Tristan Oliveria, said post-incident that the base was working closely with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee, NOAA, and the Bay County Sheriff’s office to make a determination of best practices moving forward.
He also said that initially, a 911 call mentioned a drowning victim. It was actually this male individual who was attacked by a shark, of which the species remains unknown.
While specific injuries have not been disclosed, either by Paige or Navy officials, the GoFundMe said the victim’s recovery “will involve extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work.”
“This path will be intense not only on our loved one, but the family as well,” the GoFundMe adds.
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