Fatal Waihī Beach shark attack: Victim named as 19-year-old Hamilton woman
8 Jan, 2021 06:12 AM
3 minutes to read
Police have named the victim who died in the shark attack at Waihī Beach as 19-year-old Kaelah Marlow. Police extend our deepest sympathies to Kaelah s family and loved ones at this very difficult time, police said in a statement. As noted in an earlier release, the matter will be referred to the Coroner.
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Marlow s post mortem is being carried out today.
The attack took place at Bowentown Beach just after 5pm on Thursday and emergency services flooded the area soon afterwards.
The lifeguards who spotted Marlow were patrolling outside of the flags when they spotted her, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand s eastern region lifesaving manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell says.
Fatal Waihī Beach shark attack: Aunty of victim says devastated family are in shock
8 Jan, 2021 09:00 AM
3 minutes to read
NZ Herald
An aunty of Waihī Beach shark attack victim Kaelah Marlow says the whole family are in shock after the 19-year-old s death.
Marlow s aunty Kylie French told the West Australian the family have been devastated by her death. I m just in shock, everyone is just in shock. We can t get over there, Mum can t get over there, French said.
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Police have named the victim as 19-year-old Kaelah Marlow. Photo / Supplied You hear about shark attacks, but never in a million years do you think it ll be someone you know. She was obviously out with her friends having a great time.
Another large shark was observed near Bowentown Beach southeast of Waihi Beach this week. A large shark seen in the first week of 2021, taken from the Bowentown lookout. Source: Louise Robertson
Department of Conservation shark expert Clinton Duffy said New Zealand has always been home to various shark species, and that they typically can be found in New Zealand waters more frequently over the summer. Shark attacks are very rare and are always a surprise, and of course tragic and traumatic, he said.
Duffy said he knows of about four documented great white sharks in the Bowentown area, all juveniles, which could easily be big enough to attack a person.
Fatal shark attack victim named as 19-year-old Hamilton woman Fri, 8 Jan 2021, 8:02PM
Police have released the name of the woman who died after the attack yesterday. Photo / Supplied
Fatal shark attack victim named as 19-year-old Hamilton woman Fri, 8 Jan 2021, 8:02PM
Police have named the victim who died in the shark attack at Waihī Beach as 19-year-old Kaelah Marlow.
It is understood she was dragged from the water alive after the attack and paramedics administered CPR on the beach to no avail. Police extend our deepest sympathies to Kaelah s family and loved ones at this very difficult time, police said in a statement.