🚨 “My son, if there is another life, I hope you will still be my son.” — These heartbreaking words from a mother’s final goodbye to her 12-year-old boy, Nico Antic, after a ferocious shark attack in Sydney Harbour.

In his last moments, Nico whispered something to his family that still haunts them… a simple, innocent description of that sunny day turned nightmare. What he said about the water, his friends, and the sudden terror will leave you in tears.

A child’s joy stolen in seconds—now his parents share the pain no family should endure. 💔🦈 Hold your kids extra tight tonight

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The mother of 12-year-old Nico Antic has spoken publicly for the first time about the final moments she shared with her son following a severe shark attack in Sydney Harbour. In a statement filled with profound grief, she recounted the last message Nico whispered to her before succumbing to his injuries: a simple, childlike reflection on the day that ended in tragedy. “My son, if there is another life, I hope you will still be my son,” she said, capturing the raw depth of a parent’s loss.

Nico Antic was attacked on January 18, 2026, while jumping off a rock ledge into the waters near Hermitage Foreshore Walk in Vaucluse, close to Nielsen Park (often referred to as Shark Beach) in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The incident occurred around 4:20 p.m. as Nico and a group of friends enjoyed a typical summer afternoon splashing and leaping into the harbour. Authorities believe a bull shark was responsible, drawn into the area possibly by recent heavy rains that flushed nutrient-rich freshwater into the estuary, attracting prey and predators alike.

Friends pulled Nico from the water after he sustained deep lacerations to both legs. Emergency services rushed him to Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, where he underwent emergency surgery and remained in critical condition for nearly a week. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Nico passed away on January 24, 2026, surrounded by family. His parents, Lorena (also referred to as Lena in some reports) and Juan Antic, confirmed the news in a statement: “We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico has passed away.”

In interviews with local media, including ABC News and outlets like The Guardian, the family described Nico as a sporty, full-of-life boy with the “most kind and generous spirit.” He loved outdoor activities, spending time with friends, and the simple joys of Sydney’s waterways. His mother shared that in his final conscious moments, Nico spoke softly about the day—describing the fun of jumping with his mates, the cool water, and then the sudden, terrifying pain. These innocent words, delivered through labored breaths, have continued to haunt her, a poignant reminder of a child’s perspective on unimaginable horror.

The attack was part of a troubling cluster of shark encounters in Sydney Harbour over several days in mid-January 2026, with reports of multiple sightings and incidents attributed to bull sharks. Bull sharks are known for their ability to tolerate freshwater and are occasional visitors to estuarine areas like Sydney Harbour, particularly after heavy rainfall. Experts noted that warmer summer conditions and increased human activity in the water can heighten such risks, though fatal attacks remain extremely rare.

A GoFundMe campaign launched by family and friends to support the Antics during Nico’s hospitalization and afterward has received widespread donations and messages of condolence. Tributes describe Nico as always smiling, energetic, and beloved by his schoolmates and community. One friend recalled him as “the kid who made everyone laugh,” while neighbors in Vaucluse expressed shock that such a tragedy could occur in a familiar, family-friendly spot.

New South Wales Police and marine authorities have not released further details on the specific shark involved, but a massive bull shark—estimated at 2.5 meters and 150 kg—was caught nearby in the days following Nico’s death, adding to public unease. Fishing crews reported “absolute chaos” during the capture, with the shark reeled in just meters from the attack site across the water at Clifton Gardens.

The incident has reignited discussions about shark safety in urban waterways. Sydney Harbour, despite its iconic status and heavy recreational use, has a history of rare but serious shark encounters—earning some spots informal nicknames like “Shark Beach.” Local officials have increased patrols, signage warnings, and public advisories urging swimmers to avoid murky waters, dawn/dusk hours, and areas near river mouths. Experts emphasize that while bull sharks pose a genuine risk in certain conditions, the odds of an attack remain extraordinarily low compared to other everyday hazards.

For the Antic family, the focus remains on remembrance rather than recrimination. Nico’s parents have highlighted his joy in everyday moments—playing sports, laughing with friends, and embracing life’s adventures. In their statement, they expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community, medical teams, and strangers alike.

As Sydney mourns one of its youngest residents lost to a freak encounter with nature, Nico’s story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of life’s fragility. His mother’s words echo a universal hope amid grief: that love transcends even the finality of death. Memorials and tributes continue at Nielsen Park and online, where friends and family share photos of Nico’s bright smile and promise to keep his spirit alive.

The family has requested privacy during this time of profound sorrow, asking that donations in Nico’s name support children’s causes or shark awareness initiatives. In a city where the harbour is a playground for so many, Nico Antic’s loss has left an indelible mark—one that calls for compassion, reflection, and renewed respect for the waters that surround us.