The family of an 8-year-old boy who was recently bitten by a shark is crediting the rescue and response to several individuals.
David Burrows said his son, Richard, and daughter, 10-year-old Rose, were snorkeling in the waters off Key Largo around 3 p.m. on Sept. 1, when a blacktip shark rushed them and bit Richard on his right knee. The injury was significant, but assistance from several people helped address the severe wound.
Burrows said his daughter Rose was instrumental in her brother’s rescue.
“(We) are immensely proud of the strength of character and composure she demonstrated under pressure,” he said.
The family received assistance from the commercial diving company Horizon Divers, which helped apply a second tourniquet to Richard’s leg after Burrows initially applied one. The boy was brought to shore at Garden Cove Marina where Monroe County Fire Rescue rendered aid and transported him to Trauma Star. Richard was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital Ryder Trauma Star. Surgeons were able to save Richard’s leg following surgery. He was released on Wednesday.
“Richard is recovering well from his surgery and is gaining strength by the day. He is in good spirits. Our hope is that he will be back enjoying his passion for the ocean and marine life with his older sister in no time,” Burrows said.
The Burrows family extended its sincere thanks to Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsey and the sheriff’s office; Monroe County Emergency Fire Rescue; Richard Hayden from Horizon Divers Garden Cove Marina; Trauma Star Air Ambulance flight crew and paramedics; and the teams at Jackson Memorial Hospital Ryder Trauma Center, led by Dr. Vincente Nelson, surgical critical care; and Dr. Brian Grottkau, chief of pediatric orthopedics.
The Burrows family said they thank everyone for their messages of support and well wishes and assistance. They are now requesting privacy to focus on Richard’s recovery.
