by Addison Bethea, 17, was scalloping in about five feet of water near Grassy Island, close to Keaton Beach, Florida, when she was suddenly attacked by a shark!
Recalling advice she’d seen on Animal Planet—to punch a shark in the nose during an attack—she tried to fight back, but couldn’t reach its head due to how it had bitten her.
Her brother, Rhett Willingham, 22, a firefighter and emergency medical technician in Taylor County, sprang into action. He jumped into the water and repeatedly punched and kicked the shark until it released Addison. Once she was free, he pulled her onto his boat.
Addison sustained serious injuries and was airlifted approximately 80 miles to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition. Despite the frightening ordeal, Addison remains in good spirits, and her friends have visited her in the ICU to offer support.
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