Sydney’s harbourside suburb of Vaucluse is grappling with a terrible loss after 12-year-old Nico Antic died from injuries sustained in a shark attack earlier this month. The young boy, beloved in his community, passed away in Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick on Saturday after being bitten while swimming with friends.
Nico was spending a Sunday afternoon with mates on January 18 when the unthinkable happened. The group had been jumping off rocks near Shark Beach at Nielsen Park in Sydney Harbour when a suspected bull shark struck, biting him on both legs. His friends reacted quickly, pulling him from the water and staying with him as emergency crews arrived.
Rushed to hospital in critical condition, Nico fought for his life for several days. His parents, Lorena and Juan, released a short statement through family and community spokespeople, saying they were “heartbroken” to share the news of their son’s passing. They described him as a “happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit,” a child who lit up every room he walked into.
Throughout the ordeal, the community’s support poured in from around Sydney and beyond. A GoFundMe campaign started by a friend of the Antic family raised nearly $240,000 to help with funeral costs and other needs, a sign of the deep bond his family and friends had with so many people.
Authorities believe the shark that attacked Nico was a bull shark, drawn into the harbour waters that day. Recent heavy rains had turned the harbour water murky, a condition experts say can increase the risk of encounters with sharks by making visibility poor and food sources more scattered. Many nearby beaches were temporarily closed after several shark sightings and attacks were reported along the New South Wales coast in the same period.
Local leaders and emergency responders were quick to praise the bravery of Nico’s friends and the first responders who worked to save him. Police and government officials acknowledged the tragedy has deeply affected the Vaucluse community, urging beachgoers to stay vigilant and respect safety warnings, especially after heavy rainfall.
In remembering Nico, friends and family have shared stories of his energy, laughter, and eagerness to help others. As the city mourns, many are reflecting on how precious and unpredictable life can be — and honoring the courage shown by those who tried to save him.
