South Padre Shark Attack Victim Has Successful Surgery

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX — We have an update about Tabatha Sullivent, the mother who was attacked by a shark off the beaches at South Padre Island. She underwent surgery yesterday, where the remaining muscle was wrapped around the exposed bone in her calf area. "The doctor said he is hopeful they can save her leg," an update stated on a GoFundMe page that has raised over $20,000. The next surgery, a skin graft, is scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday.

South Padre Island authorities suspect that four shark attacks stemmed from a single shark approximately six feet long. Island Fire Chief Jim Pigg stated that three victims were hospitalized, and the fourth was treated at the scene for minor injuries. He said the shark has likely departed the beach area for deeper waters, according to the Express-News. 

Sullivent said her husband, Cary, was in the water with her when the shark appeared.

"[He] hit the shark and kept it from having me for lunch, probably. He also has a few shark bites and was released yesterday," Tabatha Sullivent wrote on her GoFundMe page.

The Sullivents were at South Padre Island celebrating momentous family events. "They were celebrating their youngest daughter turning 15 and our friend’s son proposing to his girlfriend earlier this week when they were unfortunately attacked," stated the narrative on the GoFundMe page.