ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C. — A 17-year-old girl was bitten Sunday afternoon by a shark, according to a park ranger.
Paige Winter was attacked while swimming and was airlifted to the hospital with severe injuries. Officials say she had injuries to her leg, pelvic region and hands. Part of her left leg had to be amputated.
A GoFundMe was made for the family, and as of 5:30 p.m. June 3 had raised over $11,900.
A post on the GoFundMe said that according to Marcy Winter, Paige's mom, she is out of surgery and in good spirits.
"Paige is out of surgery and awake, she’s still pretty groggy but cracking jokes," the post reads. "She wants everyone to know that sharks are still good people."
Atlantic Beach firefighters and paramedics responded to Fort Macon State Park at about 12:20 p.m. Sunday in response to the attack.
The girl suffered severe injuries to her leg and hands, and was airlifted to Vidant Medical Center. According to Paul Terry, a park ranger, the water was murky at the time. Due to the attack, no one is currently allowed in the water at Fort Macon.