Champion Newcastle bodyboarder Ryan Duck allegedly stabbed at Pacific Palms, near Forster

Well known Newcastle surfing identity Ryan Duck has survived emergency surgery after allegedly being stabbed multiple times to his arms and abdomen on the mid-north coast.

Champion Newcastle bodyboarder Ryan Duck has survived an alleged knife attack at Pacific Palms on November 27, 2022. Picture: Facebook

Well-known Newcastle bodyboarder Ryan Duck has undergone emergency surgery for multiple stab wounds after allegedly being randomly attacked while away on a Christmas show with work colleagues on the Mid-North Coast.

In the very early hours of Monday, November 28, emergency services were called to Tiona Holiday Park on The Lakes Way at Pacific Palms, following reports a man had been stabbed.

Police officers assisted NSW Ambulance paramedics to treat Mr Duck, 35, for multiple stab wounds to his arms and abdomen.

Tiona Holiday Park nestled between the lake and the ocean at Pacific Palms.

He was flown to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition and has since undergone surgery.

Police established a crime scene which was forensically examined and began an investigation.

About 6am on Monday police arrested a 35-year-old man at a war memorial on The Lakes Way, approximately five kilometres from Forster-Tuncurry.

Billy Jo James Brown was taken to Forster police station and charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Brown was due to face Taree Local Court on Tuesday but his matter was adjourned until Wednesday after the court heard he had been admitted to hospital.

Champion Newcastle bodyboarder Ryan Duck survived an alleged knife attack at Pacific Palms on November 27, 2022. Picture: Facebook

In a Facebook post, Mr Duck’s mother Lee Walmsley thanked friends and family for their thoughts and best wishes for “my beautiful son”, saying she had received a “gut wrenching call” that Ryan had allegedly been stabbed while he was away fishing and camping with work colleagues.

“He was flown to the John Hunter Hospital where the amazing surgeons and team there were able to tend to him in emergency and stabilise him after many hours on the operating table,” Ms Walmsley posted.

“It’s been a terribly long and traumatising night, hoping and praying that he would make it through with his serious injuries but my darling is a fighter and has pulled through the other side.

Ryan Duck, 35, was allegedly stabbed multiple times in what police believe was a random attack. Picture: Facebook

“It will be long road to recovery. Please know that I appreciate the love and support from everyone however cannot get back to everyone right now as I’m still trying to comprehend the traumatising events that have occurred.”

The Newcastle-based Mr Duck is a well-known and popular figure in surfing circles, winning multiple professional bodyboarding titles.

His brother Jaxson told NewsLocal that his sibling was conscious and talking on Tuesday after suffering a punctured lung and some intestinal damage after allegedly being stabbed four times.

Surgeons needed to remove part of his lower intestine and he will have a long road of rehabilitation.

“The doctors said he is very very lucky to still be with us. He is in a lot of pain but he is still here,” Jaxson said.