Alabama teenager recovers from shark attack, mother gives second update on condition | WDHN

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WDHN) – An Alabama teenager who was one of three people attacked by a bull shark on Walton County beaches is recovering despite her serious injuries.

The first victim at Watersound Beach was a 45-year-old woman who lost the lower part of her left hand. She is said to be in stable condition.

About 4 miles away near Seacrest Beach, 17-year-old friends McCray Faust and Lulu Gribbin of Mountain Brook, Alabama, were attacked. Faust escaped with minor injuries to her foot; Lulu, on the other hand, was “terribly bitten” and suffered severe injuries that resulted in the loss of her left leg and hand.

According to an update posted by Lulu’s mother on caringbridge.org Monday evening, the teenager underwent the first of many surgeries to clean the wounds and flush out bacteria. Surgeons also began closing the amputations.

The teenager went from a diet to applesauce, Jell-O, Gatorade and “the best bomb lemonade she’s ever had!!

Lulu’s mother said her daughter was awake and conscious after the surgery and spoke with the two off-duty doctors who rescued her from the shark.

“It was amazing to tell them how grateful we are that we were brave enough to go into the water where there was a shark to save our sweet girl. Lulu told them, ‘Thank you for saving my life,'” Lulu’s mother said.

Officials on the coast believe the three people were attacked by the same bull shark.

In addition to the successful first operation, Lulu’s mother said the central venous catheter that leads directly to her heart was also removed on Monday.

According to her mother, Lulu, a doctor in training, wanted to watch the catheter being removed, and the nurses rolled in a large mirror so she could see how everything worked.

“We continue to be amazed by the love, support and prayers for Lulu and our family. The texts, calls, Facebook/Instagram posts and messages and videos are so uplifting and a constant reminder that she is loved,” Lulu’s mother said on caringbridge.org. “I pray that Lulu has the strength for her upcoming surgeries. I pray that she continues to progress and overcome all adversities. I pray that she heals quickly and with minimal pain.”

A community-wide prayer service was held at 4pm on Sunday at Faust and Gribben’s home church, St Luke’s Birmingham.