A teen who lost her hand and leg in a Florida shark attack recalls the chilling words she heard before the incident. Now she’s rebuilding her life with courage.
A teenage girl who survived a life-changing shark attack has revealed the last words she remembers before losing her limbs in the terrifying incident.
In June 2024, 15-year-old twins Ellie and Lulu Gribbin were on vacation in Florida with their family when they decided to swim out and collect sand dollars. Moments later, their fun turned into a nightmare.
Ellie recalled to ABC that the twins spotted a shark in the water and started “swimming for our lives.” As she paddled desperately, Ellie heard her sister Lulu say something that sounded like “stay calm.”
When Ellie reached the shore, she turned back and saw blood filling the sea.
“The entire ocean is red, ocean waves bring the blood closer,” she said.
A Horrific Attack
Lulu’s injuries were devastating. Her left hand was bitten off during the attack, and doctors were later forced to amputate her right leg above the knee.
Speaking to Good Morning America’s Michael Strahan more than a year later, Lulu recalled:
“I just saw a shadow, but I never saw a tail or a fin. I never saw its eyes.”
Within seconds, she pulled her arm out of the water and realized her hand was gone.
“I just remember being like, ‘Whoa.’ I looked down and I was like, ‘This is really happening,’” Lulu said.
As she drifted in and out of consciousness, sister Ellie stayed by her side, keeping her calm until emergency crews arrived.
“I just knew what she needed to hear at the time. Because there was so much going on, so much commotion. I just had to be there for her,” Ellie explained.
Road to Recovery
Lulu spent two months in the hospital and endured multiple surgeries. Despite the trauma, she refused to let the attack define her life.
She launched the Lulu Strong Foundation to help amputees and their families, and has thrown herself into sports — even relearning how to run.
Now, she has her eyes set on competing in the Paralympics.
“I think knowing that I have a large support system behind me, and just continuing to get better, not only for myself, but for them — and just show them that anything is possible,” Lulu said.
Her bravery has inspired countless people around the world, turning tragedy into a story of strength and hope.
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