HONOLULU — Family and friends say 25-year-old Colin Cook lost most of his leg in a shark attack off Oahu’s North Shore.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports relatives identified the victim and confirmed doctors amputated most of his left leg. His hands were injured when he punched the shark before it swam away.
His cousin, Chris Webster, says Cook swam to another surfer who paddled him to shore. He told KHON-TV it’s heart-breaking that doctors had to amputate above the knee, but that Cook is in good spirits.
Cook’s friend John Carper helped get him out of the water. He said the Rhode Island native is a regular at the popular surf spot where the shark bit him.
The Honolulu Emergency Medical Services Department says bystanders acted quickly and helped save Cook’s life.
