PICTURED: The 17-year-old girl who lost a leg and fingers in a horror shark attack in North Carolina before her father scared off the beast by punching it five times
- Paige Winter was attacked swimming at Fort Macon State Park, North Carolina
- Teenager received 'deep lacerations to her leg, pelvic and hand areas'
- She lost a leg and fingers in the attack and is said to be doing well post-surgery
- Firefighters and paramedics responded to the area by the bathhouse at 12.19pm and immediately transported her hospital in a waiting helicopter
- Beach-goers - including the girl's father - helped save her life, hospital said
- Dad punched the shark in the face several times, according to the grandmother
- Winter was said to be in 'good condition and receiving excellent care' on Sunday
- 'She is still an unwavering advocate for the marine life,' a statement said
- A GoFundMe for her medical costs raised over $4,000 as of Monday morning
The 17-year-old North Carolina girl who lost a leg and some fingers in a devastating shark attack on Sunday has been pictured.
Paige Winter, from New Bern, was swimming at the Fort Macon State Park on Sunday just before 12.30pm when she was viciously bitten by a shark.
Her father, a firefighter and paramedic, jumped into action and punched the beast in the nose five times. It relinquished its hold on the girl and swim away.
Winter suffered 'deep lacerations to her leg, pelvic and hand areas' and underwent surgery Sunday evening.
Her grandmother posted on Facebook Sunday evening saying Winter lost a leg above the knee in the surgery and may need a hand transplant in the future.
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Paige Winter, 17, lost her leg and fingers after she was bitten by a shark while swimming at the Fort Macon State Park on Sunday just before 12.30pm. A GoFundMe for her medical expenses was set up Sunday night
Winter is out of surgery and according to her family is doing well and cracking jokes
Despite the attack Winter's mother says that the animal-loving teen still wants 'everyone to know that sharks are still good people'
'Thank God our son was with her he said he punched the shark in the face 5 times before it let go. Wish we could be with them,' her grandmother Janet Winter posted on Facebook Sunday evening on her miraculous rescue.
'Surgery over she is still alive one leg gone. May need a hand transplant in the future and several on the other. Please keep her in your prayers,' she updated her followers into the night.
On Sunday evening a GoFundMe page was created to raise funds for Paige's medical costs.
'Today, a family’s life changed in a matter of seconds. A family day spent at the beach ended with a horrific shark attack. A 17 year old girl would have her life completely turned upside down,' the post said.
'Due to the severity of the attack, amputation of the left leg above the knee was inevitable. As family friends, we sit here hoping we can do something that could bring just a tiny bit of relief that may assist with Paige’s road to recovery,' it added.
So far the GoFundMe page has raised over $4,000 of its goal of $5,000.
According to social media, Winter is an avid animal lover and performed in her school's musical Little Shop of Horrors.
Chad Morgan from Reel Faith Fishing Charters believes that on Friday he captured footage of a shark thrashing around in the water nearby where the girl was attacked on Sunday
Firefighters and ABFD paramedics responded to the area by the bathhouse at 12.19pm and immediately transported her to a waiting East Care Helicopter at Carteret Health Care.
Atlantic Beach-goers also helped save her life according to the hospital where she was airlifted and treated.
'Her family expresses their appreciation for the first responders, the individuals on the beach who helped and her heroic father who saved her life,' Vidant Medical Center in Greenville said in a statement.
Her mother Marcy Winter posted later on Sunday: 'Paige is out of surgery and awake, she’s still pretty groggy but cracking jokes. She wants everyone to know that sharks are still good people.'
The parent used to be a Marine.
Paige Winter was attacked swimming at Fort Macon State Park, North Carolina around noon
Her grandmother posted 'she is still alive' with 'one leg gone' and suffered injury to her hand
Grandmother Janet Winter said on Facebook: 'Thank God our son was with her'
Update: She followed up Sunday evening saying Winter's surgery was over and she lost a leg and may need a hand transplant in the future
Paige's mother Marcy Winter posted later on Sunday: 'Paige is out of surgery and awake, she’s still pretty groggy but cracking jokes. She wants everyone to know that sharks are still good people'
The hospital also said the child was eager to get across the message to show love to marine life, despite being harmed in the water that same day.
'Despite this unfortunate circumstance, Paige is an unwavering advocate for the marine life and the animals who live in the water,' the statement continued.
'She wishes for people to continue to respect sharks in their environment and their safety.'
Chad Morgan from Reel Faith Fishing Charters believes that on Friday he captured footage a shark thrashing around in the water nearby where the girl was attacked on Sunday.
He added to WCTI that sharks are becoming a real problem in the area.
There have been 16 shark attacks in the United States this year so far, most of them have taken place in Florida.
Last Saturday a 65-year-old California man was fatally injured by a shark in Hawaii.
In 2018 there were 33 shark bites reported in the US.
Trackingsharks.com advises to avoid swimming in murky water, after storms, while wearing yellow or shiny jewelry. It also states sharks may be attracted to bright colored tattoos.
If attacked it recommends fighting back if possible. Attack the face by hitting, ripping, poking and tearing at the shark's eyes and gills.
