Brief
Shark attack survivor Leah Stewart learns to plait hair four months after losing arm
The 35‑year‑old mother of one describes the milestone and urges community support as she returns to Coogee.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Leah Stewart, a 35‑year‑old teacher and mother, said she managed to braid her own hair for the first time four months after a great‑white shark mauling left her without an arm.
What happened
On 13 June, Stewart was swimming between the flags at Coogee Beach in Sydney when a suspected great‑white shark attacked her. She spent two weeks in a coma and later underwent multiple surgeries, including the amputation of her left arm below the elbow.
What the report adds
The Daily Mail notes that Stewart has progressed from being unable to brush her teeth to now being able to dress herself and manage daily tasks. She demonstrated a side plait on camera, saying, “Can you see that? I just did that on my own.”
What was said
Stewart told 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham, “I didn’t think I would be able to do this… I have managed a plait! I am so happy – and I tied it myself.” She added that her partner Fernando usually does her hair, but “he is not great.”
How it came about
After returning to Coogee on Saturday, Stewart addressed a community bay swim, urging locals to support safety measures and infrastructure to rebuild confidence in the water. She thanked the community for its support and encouraged others to try a one‑handed plait as a challenge.
Key facts
- Leah Stewart was attacked by a suspected great‑white shark at Coogee Beach on 13 June 2026. (dailymail.co.uk)
- She underwent amputation of her left arm below the elbow after the attack. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Four months later she successfully braided her own hair, a milestone she shared publicly. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Stewart spoke to a community bay swim crowd, urging safety improvements and thanking supporters. (dailymail.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “Shark attack survivor who lost her arm in horror”
