A courageous 16-year-old girl bravely fought off a group of sharks but sadly had to undergo a devastating amputation of her leg afterward. Annabelle Carlson, a teenager from Aspen, Colorado, survived a shark attack during a vacation in Belize. Despite sustaining injuries to her hands and leg, she displayed remarkable resilience.
While diving with her family, Annabelle encountered a group of sharks and various marine life underwater. Upon returning to the boat, she and her siblings took turns jumping into the water. A shark swiftly approached Annabelle, biting her hands as she valiantly defended herself by punching it multiple times.
Following the initial attack, another shark bit Annabelle’s leg, prompting onlookers to throw oxygen tanks to deter the shark. With the help of bystanders, a tourniquet was applied to control the bleeding until they reached the shore, where emergency services were waiting to transport her to a hospital.
Despite the traumatic experience, Annabelle’s mother expressed gratitude for the support received during her daughter’s recovery. After spending a month in a Miami hospital, Annabelle developed a severe infection in her leg, leading to a rare mycobacterial infection diagnosis. Subsequently, her leg was amputated below the knee, and she now uses a prosthetic limb.
In a show of resilience and humor, Annabelle dressed up as a shark attack survivor for Halloween, emphasizing her positive outlook on life. She aims to establish a foundation to provide first aid kits and support for those in need. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to aid in Annabelle’s recovery, with significant contributions received to assist in her journey to rehabilitation.
Throughout her ordeal, Annabelle has demonstrated strength and determination, symbolized by the campaign motto, “Annabelle 1, shark 0.” The fundraising efforts have garnered substantial support, nearing the target goal to aid in Annabelle’s brave recovery journey.