A terrifying shark attack unfolded near Keaton Beach when 17-year-old Addison Bethea was bitten while scalloping in about five feet of water.<\/p>\n
Witnesses say a roughly 10-foot shark suddenly attacked, causing severe injuries to the teen\u2019s leg. In a split-second act of bravery, her brother, Rhett Willingham \u2014 a Taylor County firefighter and EMT \u2014 jumped into the water and fought off the shark to free her.<\/p>\n
With the help of nearby boaters, Bethea was pulled into a boat where a tourniquet was quickly applied to stop massive blood loss \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The dramatic rescue has drawn widespread attention, with many praising Rhett Willingham\u2019s quick thinking and courage \u2014 actions credited with saving his sister\u2019s life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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