Alabama teen recovers from shark attack, mother provides 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, friends McCray Faust, 17, and Lulu Gribbin, of Mountain Brook, Alabama, were attacked. Faust emerged from the attack with minor injuries to her foot; however, Lulu was “horribly bitten” and suffered serious injuries, resulting in the loss of her left leg and hand.

According to an update posted Monday evening by Lulu's mother on caringbridge.org, the teen underwent the first of many surgeries to clean the wounds and remove bacteria. Surgeons have also begun the process of closing the amputations.

The teen went from a clean diet to applesauce, Jello, Gatorade and “the best bomb pop she's ever eaten!!” »

Lulu's mother says her daughter was awake and conscious after the operation and spoke to the two off-duty doctors who saved her from the shark.

“It was great to express to them how eternally grateful we are that they were so brave to go into the waters with a shark to save our sweet daughter. Lulu told them: “Thank you for saving my life. » » said Lulu’s mother.

Coastal authorities believe the same bull shark attacked all three people.

In addition to the first successful operation, Lulu's mother says Monday was also the day doctors removed her central line, which goes directly to her heart.

According to her mother, Lulu, an aspiring doctor, asked to watch the line being removed, so the nurses turned to a large mirror so she could see how everything worked.

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

A community-wide prayer service was held on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at Faust and Gribben's home church, St. Luke's Birmingham.