Shark attacks have been making waves in the headlines lately, with 18 deaths reported worldwide last year, including four surfers. Picture this: you’re out catching waves with your dad, unaware it might be the last time you ride the surf together. That’s exactly the case for young surfing talent Khai Cowley, whose tragic story has resurfaced this year. At only 15 years old, Khai was riding the waves with his dad on December 28, 2023, the teen became the victim of a devastating shark attack.

Khai, who followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and uncle, both of whom scored awards in local competitions, was part of the Seaview Road Board Riders and gained a reputation as a real standout talent in his surfing community. That day at Ethel Beach, where he was on vacation, something powerful suddenly pulled underwater Khai. Witness Tim Phillip jumped in to help, but despite quick action from paramedics, it was too late to save him.

“I started moving down toward the beach and I could see the dad on the rocks sort of yelling and his son swimming towards him,” Philip told 7NEWS. Grabbing a stranger’s board, he paddled to Khai, who was unconscious. A massive great white circled him, “Probably, I’d say (it was) four metres … a pretty big shark.” As it moved away, Philip, waist-deep, pulled Khai back to shore. “It was just a matter of … I didn’t want to see his body out to sea, so did what I could.” Now, with many shark attack stories in the news, Khai’s story is resurfacing once again.

According to a report by ABC, later reshared by the Daily Star, it was revealed that a GoFundMe set up for Khai Cowley’s family raised nearly $90,000, showing just how deeply his community cared. To honor his memory, a stunning public mural was painted, capturing the essence of the young surfer who left such a big impact in his short life. Kai’s funeral, held at his beloved surf spot, “The Bowl” in Seaford, drew hundreds of mourners, all coming together to celebrate the vibrant spirit of a kid who was taken far too soon.

As his father, Tim Cowley, reflected on the tragedy, he poignantly remarked, “It’s so cruel that you’ve been taken from us at such a young age.” Tim took comfort in the legacy Khai left behind during his 15 years, sharing how his son spread kindness everywhere he went.

Tim encouraged everyone to embrace life fully, urging, “If you can take something from Khai’s passing, live like Khai, truly love with all your heart, don’t waste a moment, don’t sweat the small stuff and laugh with your mates.” And Khai Cowley isn’t the only young surfing star to have faced the harsh realities of the ocean; many others have tragically met the same fate.

More surfing stars lost to the waves

Just a few days ago, veteran surfer Giulia Manfrini was soaking up the sun and riding waves at Masokut Island in Indonesia’s Mentawai archipelago when disaster struck out of the blue. A swordfish shot up from the depths and slammed right into her chest. Eyewitnesses Massimo Ferro and Alexandre Ribas couldn’t believe their eyes—Manfrini didn’t even get a second to react before the fish struck. Last year brought its fair share of heartache for the surfing community, too.

On May 13, 2023, 46-year-old teacher Simon Bacanello was taken under by a great white shark while he was out surfing, and sadly, his remains were never found. Then, on Halloween, 55-year-old Todd Gendle was hit by a shark that was described as “as long as a limousine.” Just a month later, on December 30, 39-year-old Jason Carter faced a tiger shark attack while surfing in Maui and tragically didn’t make it after being rushed to the hospital.

But it’s not just about the serious stuff—close calls happen, too! Sixteen-year-old Teddy Wittemann from Brevard County was riding the waves in Florida when things took a turn. After slipping off his board, he suddenly felt something gripping his arm. Looking down, he realized he was right next to a 6-foot bullshark.

“Just out of nowhere, it got the inside of my arm,” he recalled, snapping his fingers to show how fast it all went down. Luckily, his friends sprang into action, calling 911 and using a shirt to help stop the bleeding until help arrived. These stories hit hard, reminding everyone how quickly things can go sideways in the water.