A 12-year-old boy has lost his fight for life after being mauled by a shark while swimming with friends at a popular beach.
Nico Antic sustained critical injuries to his legs after being bitten by the shark at a well-known swimming spot in Vaucluse in Sydney's east on Sunday.
It was the first of four shark bites within three days in NSW, triggering widespread community concern and beach closures.
Sadly, the 12-year-old passed away on Saturday, almost a week after the attack.
"We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away," his parents, Lorena and Juan, said in a statement.
"Nico was a happy, friendly and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit.
"He was always full of life and that’s how we'll remember him."
The couple thanked the first responders and the teams at Sydney Children's Hospital "for everything they did to care for Nico" as well as those in their community for their support.
The Antic family had been preparing for the "worst possible outcome" after learning Nico sustained devastating leg injuries.
A friend of the Antic family set up a fundraiser that has collected more than $238,000.
All NSW beaches are expected to be open for the Australia Day long weekend despite the spate of shark attacks which prompted days-long closures.
NSW's shark management program, given a $2.5 million boost in December, includes SMART drumlines and drone patrols at 50 beaches during school holidays.
