Kai McKenzie makes first public statement since near-fatal shark attack

Donate to Kai’s GoFundMe here.

Four days ago, Fury-Sponsored freesurfer Kai McKenzie went for a session at his regular spot in Port Macquarie on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales and was attacked by a three-metre long great white shark.

After attempting to paddle away and even kicking at the shark, Kai was mauled to death and the lower part of his right leg was almost completely severed. Kai was awakened by a wave and was seen by a retired police officer named Steve, who made a tourniquet out of his dog’s leash and called for help.

Kai was then taken away by rescue helicopter and his leg was packed with ice in the hope that it could be sewn back on when Kai arrived at the hospital. We do not yet know if the doctors were able to successfully sew it back on.

What we do know now, however, is that Kai’s condition is stable today. A few hours ago he posted the following caption on Instagram:

“Man oh damn man, just being here now and being able to hold my beautiful Eve and my family means the world to me. A few days ago I was attacked by an insane shark (the biggest shark I’ve ever seen) which was a very crazy sight and scared the crap out of me but to all you damn kind hearted people, to you legends, to everyone and anyone, all of your support has absolutely meant the world to me. It’s so cool to see so many wonderful people supporting me. There are so many messages to respond to but I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone for your generous donations on the Go Fund Me page. We are so very grateful for everything.

I can tell you now, if you know my personality, that means some shit. I’ll be back in that water in no time! GET THE FUCK OUT OF THAT SHARK and THANKS to Steve for saving my life.“

This nightmare is just the latest in an already stressful year for Kai, who broke his back a few months ago in the middle of filming an upcoming “Rage” movie directed by Toby Cregan.

In the meantime, read the full incident report here and consider donating to Kai’s GoFundMe.

We are glad to see you safe and sound, Kai!

Further reading: Does shark deterrent technology work?