Port Macquarie shark attack victim Kai McKenzie released from John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle
Shark attack victim Kai McKenzie has spent his first day out of hospital in more than a month after his leg was mauled by a 3m great white off a remote Mid-North Coast beach.
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Shark attack victim Kai McKenzie has spent his first day out of hospital in more than a month after his leg was mauled by a 3m great white off a remote Mid-North Coast beach.
The 23-year-old talented surfer from Bonny Hills lost his right leg in the horrific attack off Port Macquarie’s isolated North Shore Beach on July 23.
His life was saved by an off-duty cop after his badly damaged leg was tourniqueted using a dog leash before he was rushed to hospital, suffering severe blood loss.
Despite Mr McKenzie’s leg washing up onshore an hour later and being backed with ice, it could not be reattached.
Mr McKenzie, who is sponsored by several well-known surfing companies, previously vowed to return to the water, saying nothing will stand in his way.
He took to social media on Friday to share the news of his day out of hospital, posing with his girlfriend Eve.
In the photo, his right leg is shown amputated above the knee.
Talking about Eve, Mr McKenzie said “this girl is the reason why I’m so motivated, she’s been the best nurse you could get”.
“Eve’s done so much for me and I love her to bits,” he wrote on Instagram.
“This is the first day I’ve been out of hospital in more than a month and a half, how f--king good!”
“Thanks for all the support I’m gunna (sic) be back in no time love yas (sic).”
A GoFundMe for Mr McKenzie has raised over $195,000 towards an adjusted $250,000 target.
Originally published as Port Macquarie shark attack victim Kai McKenzie released from John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle