Young Port Macquarie surfer Kai McKenzie, 23, undergoes surgery in John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle after leg severed
The family of young surfer Kai McKenzie has spoken out publicly for the first time since he was attacked – and his leg completely severed – by a 3m shark this week.
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The family of young surfer Kai McKenzie has spoken out publicly for the first time since he was attacked – and his leg completely severed – by a 3m shark this week.
It comes as the 23-year-old underwent his first marathon surgery after being attacked off Port Macquarie’s isolated North Shore Beach on Tuesday before 11am.
On Thursday, the family issued a statement through the Hunter New England Local Health District saying they were “grateful Kai is in a stable condition and is in the best of care”.
“We would like to thank the medical staff at Port Macquarie Hospital, the bystanders and first
responders on the beach and the amazing staff at John Hunter Hospital,” the family said.
“We would like to thank everyone for their wishes and ask that everyone respects our privacy.”
Mr McKenzie’s family has been by his bedside through the ordeal.
There is no clarity whether his right leg was able to be reattached, despite vascular surgeons and specialists in talks with the family yesterday on surgery options.
When asked if doctors were planning to reattach Kai’s leg, close family friend and neighbour Lauren Mac said: “I can confirm that he has had surgery and that he is stable (Thursday morning) but this is all the family wants released at this time,” she said.
In heroic circumstances on Tuesday, Mr McKenzie fought off the shark and paddled to shore.
An off-duty cop walking his dog on the beach saved the young surfer’s life by using the pet’s lead to stem blood loss before Mr McKenzie was rushed to Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
He was then transported to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle and on Wednesday morning was in a stable condition awaiting surgery.
The leg washed up on the beach and was placed on ice. It’s understood the leg was taken back on the vehicular ferry across the Hastings River and rushed to Port Macquarie Base Hospital under police lights and sirens.
The surfer’s aunty Michelle McKenzie took to social media on Wednesday: “My nephew Kai is an incredible surfer, skater, musician, videographer and all-round legend.”
“He has always lived life to the fullest – squeezing every minute out of the day,” she wrote on Facebook.
“Yesterday he was attacked by a shark at Port Macquarie, doing what he loved. He suffered life changing injuries.
“There has been so many offers of support from the community, which is incredible. Right now, the best support would be a donation, if possible. I have no doubt the road to recovery for him will be a long and expensive one and any financial support to assist his journey would be incredible. Big love to my beautiful family. X.”
Mr McKenzie’s neighbour Lauren Mac launched a GoFundMe for the young surfer, telling this publication on Wednesday that loved ones were “devastated”.
“It’s another blow after Kai only recently returned to the water after fracturing his neck,” she said.
“His parents are shocked and devastated. I spoke with them yesterday after they saw Kai in the hospital. They are such a tight-knit family.”
Ms Mac said Mr McKenzie lived with mates in a share house and “was always chasing the waves with his mates”.
“Kai and all his mates have hearts of gold. He’s the type of person that would give you the shirt off his back,” she said.
An update on Thursday revealed Mr McKenzie was stable after the surgery.
“Kai is currently in John Hunter Hospital, where he has had surgery and is in a stable condition. As you can imagine, the upcoming medical expenses for his recovery and rehabilitation is something no one would ever be prepared for. The funds raised will go in assisting Kai in every aspect of his recovery,” the fundraiser reads.
Meanwhile, surfing industry figures have come forward to wish the 23-year-old a speedy recovery.
Mr McKenzie’s sponsor Rage issued a heartfelt statement on Wednesday and said he was “the toughest person that we know”.
“Sending love to Kai, the youngest RAGE boy on the team and the toughest person that we know,” the statement read.
“Yesterday he was attacked by a shark and has lost his leg while surfing in Port Macquarie.
“He has been through a lot, breaking his back (neck vertebrae) last year. He never once complained always just got with doing what he loves as soon as possible. He is an inspiring person.
“The whole Rage gang loves you man and we will see you soon.”
Renowned surfing publication Tracks also issued a statement Wednesday: “Our thoughts are with Kai and his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Surfer Magazine wrote: “Here’s to a speedy recovery for this young legend.”
NSW Ambulance duty manager Kirran Mowbray said after the attack that Mr McKenzie’s efforts to fight off the predator and make it to shore alive were “courageous”.
“He’s seen the shark, he’s been able to fight it off. He’s turned around and caught a wave into shore. He’s very courageous,” she said.
It comes as some community members have lashed a lack of shark attack prevention measures on Port Macquarie’s beaches, with one local labelling it a Green agenda.
“Yet another extreme Green policy of ‘catch and release’ for great white sharks has cost someone a leg and very nearly his life!,” Daniel McCarthy posted to Facebook.
“The green fantasy crap needs a wake up call. Releasing man eaters to ‘bite another day’ makes zero sense.”
A man attacked by a shark at Port Macquarie last year has thrown his support behind Kai McKenzie, donating to a crowd-funding campaign.
Toby Begg was attacked by a 4m great white shark at Watonga Rocks, near Port Macquarie, on August 25, 2023 – just 19km from where Mr McKenzie was bitten this week.
Mr Begg, 44, lost his lower right leg and has limited use of his left leg after having undergone multiple surgeries and a lengthy stay in hospital.
He bravely returned to the water three months after the attack.
The GoFundMe has raised more than $122,000.
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Originally published as Young Port Macquarie surfer Kai McKenzie, 23, undergoes surgery in John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle after leg severed
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