Shark attack survivor discusses recovery and connection to New Zealand
Saturday 26 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
Leah Stewart, who lost an arm during a shark attack at Sydney's Coogee Beach in June, has spoken about her recovery. She shared that her family played the Lord of the Rings soundtrack while she was in a coma to help calm her. Stewart described New Zealand as her happy place.
Key facts
4 facts
- Leah Stewart was attacked by a 4m shark at Coogee Beach on 13 June
- Stewart lost an arm and outer leg muscle in the attack
- Stewart is a dual New Zealand and Australian citizen originally from Hawke's Bay
- The shark is suspected to be a Great White
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Leah Stewart, a 35-year-old dual New Zealand and Australian citizen, has shared how her connection to New Zealand aided her recovery from a shark attack. While in a coma following the incident, her family played the Lord of the Rings soundtrack to help calm her. Stewart stated, “New Zealand is just my happy place. And my family were just like, let's transport her to the Shire so that she'll be in a better place”.
The attack occurred on 13 June at Coogee Beach in Sydney when a suspected Great White Shark, measuring approximately four metres long, mauled Stewart. The incident happened as she was preparing to leave the water to play with her six-month-old daughter, August. Stewart lost an arm and the outer muscle of her leg during the attack.
Stewart described the moment she realised a large fin was behind her and that she had to make a choice regarding which limb to lose. She noted that thinking of her daughter provided a strength she otherwise might not have had. To manage her trauma, Stewart has participated in interviews to regain power and has chosen to live by the beach to help face her fear of the ocean through exposure.
Where reports differ
- One report identifies the shark as a suspected Great White, while the other describes it only as a 4m-long shark
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Stuff.