A terrifying shark attack unfolded near Keaton Beach when 17-year-old Addison Bethea was bitten while scalloping in about five feet of water.
Witnesses say a roughly 10-foot shark suddenly attacked, causing severe injuries to the teen’s leg. In a split-second act of bravery, her brother, Rhett Willingham — a Taylor County firefighter and EMT — jumped into the water and fought off the shark to free her.
With the help of nearby boaters, Bethea was pulled into a boat where a tourniquet was quickly applied to stop massive blood loss — a move officials later described as life-saving. She was then airlifted to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, where she underwent emergency surgery for severe soft-tissue damage. Doctors planned additional procedures to assess the full extent of her injuries.
Family members reported that despite the traumatic ordeal, Addison remained in good spirits in the pediatric intensive care unit, surrounded by loved ones as she began her recovery journey.
Authorities are reminding beachgoers to exercise caution in shark-prone waters, advising swimmers to avoid going alone, stay away from fishing areas, and avoid entering water near sandbars or large schools of fish.
The dramatic rescue has drawn widespread attention, with many praising Rhett Willingham’s quick thinking and courage — actions credited with saving his sister’s life.
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