At only 15 years old: Khai Cowley, young promise of Australian surfing, dies after a shark attack

Alarm bells went off in Australia. Khai Cowley, one of the young promises of Australian surfing, died at the age of 15 due to the bite of a great white shark. The tragic event occurred in Ethel Beach, while the teenager was practicing with her father in the last days of 2023.

According to witnesses, the four-meter-long shark inflicted a fatal wound on Khai’s leg. Although his father did everything possible to save him, unfortunately the bleeding did not stop.

Likewise, local media reported that a local, Tim Philip, was the first to run to the teenager’s aid. His effort was vital to prevent further damage to the animal. “I would say four meters, and it surrounded him,” he indicated.

When the news was heard, both family members and organizations gave their message of support and pain for the loss of the young surfer.

“Khai was very involved in our surfing community and his passion for surfing came from a family with deep roots in surfing in South Africa. He will be greatly missed in our community and on the water,” Surfing South Australia posted.