Leah Stewart wakes after 10-day induced coma following shark attack at Sydney’s Coogee Beach, tells family “I love you”

Leah Stewart, a shark attack survivor being treated at a hospital in Sydney, woke after an induced coma that had lasted 10 days, Fox News reported on June 25. The report said Stewart, who was injured during the attack at Coogee Beach, communicated her first words to her family shortly after regaining consciousness.

According to the Fox News account, Stewart’s first words were “I love you,” which family members heard at her bedside. The report framed the moment as a significant step in her recovery, coming after a period when she remained unresponsive while doctors managed her injuries.

Stewart’s hospitalization and use of an induced coma were described as part of her medical treatment following the shark attack at the popular beach in Sydney. The report did not provide additional clinical details about the extent of injuries, surgical procedures, or the cause of the need for continued sedation beyond stating she was in a medically induced coma.

Coogee Beach, where the attack occurred, is a heavily visited area in Sydney and draws large numbers of residents and tourists. In the immediate aftermath of such incidents, authorities commonly review safety conditions and response measures for beachgoers, though the Fox News report did not specify the actions taken by local or state officials in connection with the case.

The Fox News reporting did not name the hospital or provide new statements from medical staff or government authorities. It also did not cite a timeline for when Stewart would be able to speak with relatives and clinicians without assistance, beyond noting that her recovery progressed to the point where she could communicate.

Stewart’s wake-up is likely to be followed by continued monitoring in hospital, particularly given that the report described the coma as medically induced. Further updates would typically include her condition, rehabilitation plans, and any guidance for public beach safety, but those details were not included in the coverage cited.

For now, the key development is Stewart’s return to consciousness after 10 days, along with the early message her family reported hearing at her bedside. The case remains an active medical matter, with additional information expected as clinicians provide progress updates.