New Bern teen's leg amputated after shark attack

ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C. — A GoFundMe page has been set up for a teenage girl who suffered severe bites to one of her legs and both her hands while swimming in the waters off Atlantic Beach on Sunday, according to our news affiliate WCTI.

Fort Macon Park Ranger Paul Terry told Channel 9 affiliate WCTI that the attack was by a shark. It happened offshore of Fort Macon State Park, a popular beach location along the Crystal Coast.

ABFD said 17-year-old Paige Winter, of New Bern, was taken to Carteret Health Care, where she was then flown to the trauma center at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.

The department reports the teenager had deep cuts and bites on her leg, pelvis and hands. Dispatch reported one of her legs was nearly amputated by the encounter with the shark.

On Monday, WCTI reported that Winter put out a statement about the attack, saying she had her leg amputated.

“I would like to thank everyone for reaching out and helping me the last 24 hours as a result of the shark attack that occurred at Fort Macon on June 2," Winter said. "Although I have extensive injuries, including an amputated leg and damage to my hands, I will be OK."

Vidant Medical Center also put out a statement late Sunday, delivered on behalf of the family, reading:

"Vidant Health can confirm that Paige Winter is at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, N.C. recovering from a shark attack that occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. on June 2, 2019 at Fort Macon.

She is in good condition and receiving excellent care. Her family expresses their appreciation for the first responders, the individuals on the beach who helped and her heroic father who saved her life.

Despite this unfortunate circumstance, Paige is an unwavering advocate for the marine life and the animals who live in the water. She wishes for people to continue to respect sharks in their environment and their safety."

Cox Media Group