Family Releases Footage of Shark Attack on 10-Year-Old Son While Snorkeling In Florida

Life took a sharp turn for then-10-year-old Jameson Reeder Jr. one fine morning in 2022. He was snorkeling off the coast of Florida with his family when tragedy struck in the form of a bull shark. The attack from the shark was so vicious that Reeder Jr. ended up losing one of his legs. Now, three years later, Reeder Jr. and his family have released a video to Good Morning America, which showcases how the harrowing incident unfolded in a matter of seconds. The video was released as part of promotions for a book titled "Rescue at the Reef: The Miraculous True Story of a Little Boy with Big Faith," which focuses on the healing journey undertaken by the brave teenager. 

A Marvelous Family Outing

The video was captured by Reeder Jr. himself using a GoPro camera while out snorkeling with his family. It began with him presumably telling his family about the wonders he witnessed under the waters. Thereafter, the footage switched to visuals of a stunning turtle in Looe Key Reef. Reeder Jr., who captured the footage, was ecstatic after witnessing the creature in its element and said, "Gosh, that was just awesome. What a beautiful Turtle!!" He then dived again, to catch a glimpse of other marvels in the waves. 

Bloody Attack

However, things changed instantly when the voiceover revealed the bloody incident that altered the course of Reeeder Jr's life. "In just seconds, the unthinkable happened," the narrator explained. The footage indicated that some brutal force causes the boy to lose control of the camera. As the camera fell to the sea floor, it captured the fin of an eight-foot bull shark that apparently tore away Reeder Jr's right leg. He recalled that the beast shook him and also "yanked his head back" during the ordeal. Reeder Jr. was rescued eventually, but his health took a hit. Along with being decapitated, he also had to undergo multiple surgeries to alleviate the consequences of the attack.

Power of Faith

The book reflects how the power of faith not only helped Reeder Jr. recuperate from the tragedy but also positively impacted the people around him. The road was not easy for Reeder Jr. by any means, as evidenced by the way he was squeezing a soft toy in the video, to manage his pain. However, the boy refused to allow the incident to define him, according to the New York Post. Just four days after the attack, he requested his family to take him back to the reef. "Dad," he said, "I don't want the shark, this hospital, and my leg to be my worst nightmare. I want to face my fear and move forward." Three months after the attack, Reeder Jr. received his first prosthetic leg. Over the years, he has managed to start playing basketball, swimming, surfing, and skateboarding with his new reality. 

Appearance of Jesus

The parents were horrified seeing the footage, which also featured a cloud of blood. "It wasn't an exaggeration to say he had fought a Goliath and won," said his father, Jameson Reeder Sr. The whole incident took the family by surprise, as before this, there had never been a single recorded shark attack at Looe Key Reef. The family of six firmly believes that Jesus helped Reeder Jr. rise above his pain. "I felt so certain that God was leading every snap decision," said Jameson Sr. "Every moment felt like we had been guided into doing the best thing." Reeder Jr. also told them that he had seen a 'person on fire' while being taken to safety through a boat to the shore. "I knew it was Jesus," he allegedly claimed to his family. "It was the worst and best day of my life."