Teenager Lulu Gribbin recovering after losing hand and leg in shark attack in Walton County

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

0 2 minutes read

A teenager from Birmingham, Alabama, is recovering at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola after losing his left hand and part of his right leg in a shark attack on a Walton County beach on Friday, June 7, 2024.

Lulu Gribbin was one of three victims in two separate shark incidents that occurred within 90 minutes.

According to Lulu's mother, Ann Blair Gribbin, Lulu and her twin sister, Ellie, were on a mother-daughter beach trip with friends when the attack happened. The group was returning from lunch when they noticed people on the beach standing and looking at the water. Realizing that Lulu and her friends were not answering their phones, the mothers began to panic and ran to the scene.

Ann Blair found Lulu surrounded by a group of people on the ground, seriously injured in the leg. Lulu was airlifted to Sacré-Cœur Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery.

The surgeons informed the family that the shark had torn off Lulu's left hand and they had to amputate her right leg halfway up, from the knee to the hip. Lulu had also lost 2/3 of her blood.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Lulu's condition has improved. She was taken off the ventilator Saturday and was able to speak, saying, “I made it.” » Lulu recounted the attack, explaining that she and five friends were on the first sandbar, waist-high, looking for sand dollars when the shark bit her hand and leg before attack another friend's foot.

Ann Blair expressed her gratitude for the people who pulled Lulu from the water, the doctors and nurses on the beach who applied tourniquets, and the medical staff at Sacré-Cœur Hospital.

She recognized that although their lives will be changed forever, Lulu is strong, beautiful and courageous, and that the family will support her every step of the way.

Monday June 10 Lulu underwent the first of many surgeries to clean the wounds and begin closing the amputations. Doctors reported that the surgery went well and Lulu remained alert and talkative throughout the day, according to her mother.

The family also had the opportunity to thank two men who helped pull Lulu from the water and carry her to shore, with Lulu expressing gratitude for their actions that saved her life.

As Lulu continues her healing journey, her family asks for prayers for strength, healing and acceptance. They are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community and remain hopeful for Lulu's future, with her mother saying: “Lulu is here and we will be forever grateful for this journey.” »