Particle.news

Download on the App Store

9-Year-Old Florida Girl Regains Hand Function After Shark Attack

Her successful surgery included bone stabilization followed by artery transfers to reestablish blood flow to her hand.

Image
Tampa General Hospital on June 11, 2025, where a 9-year-old girl was transported after being bitten by a shark. (Lily Speredelozzi/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)
Image

Overview

  • Leah Lendel was bitten by an estimated 8-foot shark while snorkeling near Boca Grande on June 11.
  • Nearby construction workers and bystanders wrapped her wrist and controlled bleeding before she was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital.
  • At Tampa General Hospital, surgeons inserted pins into her broken bones and grafted arteries from her leg to reestablish blood flow to her hand.
  • By June 13, doctors confirmed she could move all her fingers, which her mother called a miracle.
  • She remains hospitalized for observation and is expected to undergo extensive physical therapy to regain full function.