1 Month After Bull Shark Attack Leading To 19 Stitches, 13-Year-Old Surfer Gets the Surprise of Her Life

Published 06/09/2023, 4:21 PM EDT

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Surfing, a thrilling sport that demands careful attention, can sometimes bring unexpected encounters. On May 11, 2023, at Fort Pierce Beach, Ella Reed found herself in a dangerous situation. While sitting in shallow waters near a jetty, she felt an excruciating pain on her side. Later she realized that she had been bitten by a shark. In a courageous act, Ella swiftly retaliated, delivering a forceful punch that momentarily repelled the shark. Yet, the resilient creature returned for another encounter.

Bleeding and in distress, Ella cried out for her family’s assistance. The young surfer suffered bites to her stomach, arm, finger, and knee, necessitating 19 stitches during her hospitalization. Now, one month after the harrowing bull shark attack, Ella is about to experience a surprise, a twist that will redefine her outlook on life. What could this turn of events hold for the brave surfer? 

Survivor Ella Reed’s remarkable journey back to surfing

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In a recent post shared by CBS 12 News on Facebook, Ella Reed, a survivor of a shark attack, shared her lifelong passion for surfing. Despite never having her own surfboard, she has been fearless in the water. Recognizing her bravery, the local community came together to support Ella in her hometown. At the Pelican Yacht Club, she was honored with a membership to the Treasure Coast Board Riders Club and received a $600 gift certificate for a new surfboard from Spunky’s Surf Shop. “It’ll be, like, really, really cool having a new board because I’ve always kind of used my brother’s old boards while surfing, so it’ll be cool to have one of my own,” Reed said. 

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Ella initially stood in shock but found the experience strangely fascinating. She mentioned that the adrenaline dulled the pain, allowing her to return to the water and surf again after having her stitches removed. Gunther Schwartz, the Manager of Spunky’s Surf Shop, praised Ella stating, “I mean, her story speaks on behalf of how fearless she is and it’s very inspiring for us as a shop, and us as a community.” Ella’s journey showcases the resilience of the human spirit and serves as a testament to her unwavering determination. Reed’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent unpredictability of the ocean.

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Ella Reed’s shark attack reminds us of the ocean’s vastness

Even in seemingly clear waters, the presence of danger can strike without warning. Reacting swiftly, Reed managed to escape the clutches of the predator and was promptly rushed to the hospital in a golf cart. The initial disbelief experienced by her mother, Devin Reed, quickly turned to concern as they realized the gravity of the situation.

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At the hospital, Ella received the necessary medical attention. Throughout the ordeal, her remarkable composure stood true. As reported by the University of Florida’s global shark attack file, incidents like these highlight Florida’s reputation as the “shark bite capital of the world.” Ella’s harrowing encounter underscores the importance of remaining cautious and vigilant while enjoying the ocean.

Watch This Story: “Most Terrifying Things” 29-Year-Old Recalls a Life-Threatening Shark Attack Experience From 2016

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Written by:

Gincy Abraham

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Gincy Abraham, an accomplished sports news writer at EssentiallySports, has a profound passion for surfing and a talent for covering the latest developments in sports. With expertise in Olympic news, Gincy captures the essence of the global sporting event. With a bachelor's degree in journalism and years of experience as a news reporter, Gincy is always in pursuit to deliver accurate content religiously.
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Edited by:

Anupama Ghosh