Family of Shark Attack Victim Lance Appleby Expresses Unbearable Pain
The family of Lance Appleby, who tragically fell victim to a suspected fatal shark attack in South Australia, is grappling with an unbearable pain that words cannot fully capture. Lance Appleby, a 28-year-old surfer, was attacked by a shark at Granites beach, near Streaky Bay, just before 7pm on Thursday. Lance was one of seven children, with the family calling Streaky Bay home for 25 years.
Tribute to a Beloved Surfer
Today, Lance’s brother Kenneth Appleby took to the online platform to pay tribute to his beloved brother, saying, “The pain we are feeling as a family is impossible to describe. We are absolutely devastated, and there is a gaping hole in our hearts. The only solace we can find is knowing that Lance was doing what he loved with a beaming smile on his face. Forever young, forever surfing, forever loved.”
Witness Account of the Tragic Event
A witness, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted the harrowing incident, stating, “Someone said ‘call an ambulance, he’s been taken’, then everything went off, horns, people screaming. I saw thrashing. I just ran right across the rocks and that’s when I saw him. There were older blokes wanting to go out and grab him, and people had to stop them. He wasn’t far out, it was only about one-metre deep water. He was in between two people, in the middle, and it just happened to take him.”
Community Grieves and Shows Support
The tight-knit community of Streaky Bay mourns the loss of one of its own as locals laid floral tributes at the beach where the tragic event took place. Volunteers tirelessly combed the coastline on foot in search of any signs of Lance. An online fundraiser has garnered nearly $20,000 for the Appleby family, highlighting the outpouring of support and love for Lance.
Remembering a Well-Loved Community Member
Local mayor Travis Barber reflected on Lance’s impact, stating, “You wouldn’t find a person with a bad word to say about him, and a genuinely good bloke.” Marble Range Football Club, where Lance was a member, described him as having “a heart of gold, always with a smile on his face, and adored within our community.”
As the community continues to grapple with the devastating loss of Lance Appleby, the spirit of unity and support shines through in the midst of tragedy.