Family pay tribute to ‘fiercely loyal, compassionate’ Lance Appleby, who ‘died doing what he loved’

The family of a surfer killed in a shark attack have remembered him as “fiercely loyal, compassionate and caring”, as the search for his body enters its fourth day and a fundraiser tops $70,000.

The heartbroken family of a young surfer killed in a fatal shark attack have remembered him as a “fiercely loyal, compassionate and caring” person, as the search for his body enters its fourth day.

Lance Appleby, 28, was last seen on Thursday evening about 7pm after going for a surf at Granites – a popular break near Streaky Bay.

The passionate young surfer, who grew up as one of seven children from the Eyre Peninsula family, was revealed to be the victim of a fatal shark attack, but his relatives say he went out “doing what he loved”.

In a post on social media on Saturday, Lance’s brother Kenneth Appleby said their family was feeling an “impossible pain” as the search continues.

“On Thursday evening, we received the tragic news that our much-loved brother Lance had been taken by a Great White Shark while surfing at Granites,” he said.

Tributes flood for the fatal shark attack victim Lance Appleby. Picture: Supplied

Lance Appleby, 28, was fatally attacked by a shark on Thursday evening while surfing near Granites beach, south of Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula. Picture: Facebook

“The pain we are feeling as a family is impossible to describe. We are absolutely devastated, and there is a gaping hole in our hearts.

“The only solace we can find is knowing that Lance was doing what he loved, with a beaming smile on his face.

“Lance was the best brother we could ever ask for. He was caring, fiercely loyal, compassionate, and always up for an adventure. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was never afraid to express his emotions or talk about them.

“No matter where Lance lived or worked, he always made deep connections within the local community and formed lifelong friendships.”

The 28-year-old had lived on the Eyre Peninsula growing up and moved to the Gold Coast in 2023 for work, but had returned to SA over the festive period to visit friends and family.

Kenneth said his brother was the kind of person everyone wanted to hang out with and meant the world to those who knew him.

“He loved sports, travelling, FaceTiming family, coffees, bear hugs, fulfilling his uncle duties, and most of all, spending time with his mates,” he said.

“We would give anything to have him back.

“Forever young, forever surfing, forever loved.”

A Go Fund Me page was created in memory of Lance, raising more than $26,000 in just two hours. By 7am on Sunday the fund had grown to more than $71,000.

“Monies raised will go towards a memorial, plaque and family financial burdens,” the page read.

The search continues for any sign of missing surfer, Lance Appleby. Picture: Dean Martin

Samira Cummins brought flowers as a tribute. Picture: Dean Martin

As the search for his remains entered its third day on Saturday, SA Police said some items of interest had been located but his body was yet to be recovered.

The road down to Granites has been closed as the search continues, with foot and sea patrols still searching over the coming days.

A NSW tourist, who did not want to be identified, told The Advertiser on Saturday he was about to paddle out to the break on Thursday evening when he heard people screaming and horns wailing.

“I just heard people yelling, and someone screamed ‘call an ambulance, he’s been taken’,” the witness said.

“I just ran straight across the rocks and that’s when I saw the last bit of it. Just thrashing.

“He wasn’t too far out, and there were about ten surfers out there at the time.”

On Saturday afternoon, Streaky Bay local of 14 years Samira Cummins left flowers at the beach above where emergency services are searching.

“I’m just feeling like everybody else in our community,” Ms Cummins said.

“Jus really shocked, sad.

“I’m heartbroken for everybody.”

Port Lincoln football club Marble Range has remembered their former premiership player as a talented footballer with a “heart of gold”.

Shark attack victim Lance Appleby (left) with friend and teammate Ned Brooks after winning a flag for the Marble Range Football Club in 2021 which is in Port Lincoln Football League. Picture: Facebook

In a post to Facebook on Saturday, the club sent their condolences to Mr Appleby’s family and recalled his contributions to the football club as a premiership player.

“A talented footballer with a heart of gold who always had a smile on his face or a joke to tell,” the statement read.

“An all around down to earth person that everyone adored within our community.

“Lance will be extremely missed by all but is forever a part of our history as a member of our 2021 premiership team.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time.”

The Marble Range community shared their memories of Mr Appleby, with one commenter describing him as a “selfless individual” and “role model”.

“One of the most likeable people I’ve met,” another said.

“Young and talented and still had time for everyone. He will be missed more than he ever knew.”

Mr Appleby played for Marble Range for eight years, before joining the Tweed Coast Tigers, where he won joint club best and fairest in 2024.

Meanwhile, Wayback Football & Sporting Club – a Port Lincoln team that regularly competed against Marble Range – has expressed their condolences over the “tragic” death.

In a statement, they said Mr Appleby was “not a Waybacker but a highly respected opponent” and “a close friend of a number of our players and supporters”.

“Our thoughts are with Lance’s family, friends, the Marble Range FC and the wider Eyre Peninsula community,” they wrote.

Marble Range Football Club sent their condolences to Mr Appleby’s family sharing their memories of the talented young footballer. Picture: Facebook.

Close friend and local fisherman Jeff Schmucker said witnesses to the attack saw Mr Appleby flipped off a wave before being dragged underwater as he swam back to his board.

Before Thursday’s attack, multiple reports of a shark in the area had been shared online, with Mr Schmucker warning of a “large great white” acting “aggressively” near Granites beach on his social media.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Eyre Peninsula community.

Streaky Bay mayor Travis Barber said the community was “hurting”, and asked for “understanding as we collectively grieve and support one another”.

“In times like these, it is important to remember that the individual was not only a valued member of our community, but also a cherished son, family member, and friend,’’ he said in a statement.

Mr Appleby’s death is the second at The Granites in 14 months, after 55-year-old Tod Gendle was killed by a shark in October 2023.

Originally published as Family pay tribute to ‘fiercely loyal, compassionate’ Lance Appleby, who ‘died doing what he loved’