Introduction
In June 2024, a tragic shark attack left 15-year-old Lulu Gribbin without some of her limbs, but it didn’t break her spirit. On vacation in Florida, Lulu and her twin sister, Ellie, ventured into the sea for a mother-daughter trip, which quickly turned into a fight for survival. The attack, which occurred while the twins were collecting sand dollars, changed Lulu’s life forever. Now, over a year later, Lulu is opening up about the terrifying moments leading up to the attack, including the last words she heard before the shark struck.
The Attack and the Moments Leading Up to It
Lulu, along with her twin sister Ellie, had been swimming in the waters of Florida when they spotted a shark. According to Lulu, she heard her sister say something that sounded like “stay calm” as they started to swim for their lives. Just moments later, she recalls seeing the ocean turn red as blood from her wounds mixed with the water.
Ellie, recalling the panic and chaos of the moment, described the scene: “The entire ocean is red, ocean waves bring the blood closer.” Lulu’s left hand was bitten off during the attack, and doctors had to amputate her right leg halfway up from her knee to her hip.
Lulu Gribbin lost some of her limbs (Caringbridge.org)
The Last Words and Final Moments Before the Shark Attack
Speaking about the moments before the shark attack, Lulu described hearing a friend scream and briefly glimpsing a shadow in the water. “I just saw a shadow, but I never saw a tail or a fin. I never saw its eyes,” she explained in an interview with Michael Strahan on Good Morning America. Then, in an instant, Lulu reached out of the water to find that her left hand was no longer there. She recalled, “I just remember being like, ‘Whoa.’ I looked down and I was like, ‘This is really happening.'”
As Lulu was brought back to shore, she was in and out of consciousness, but Ellie stayed by her side, helping to keep her calm during the traumatic experience. Ellie said, “I just knew, kind of what she needed and what she needed to hear at the time. Because there was so much going on, so much commotion. I just had to be there for her.”
Lulu was attacked by a shark (ABC News)
Aftermath and Recovery
Lulu spent two months in the hospital following the attack and endured multiple surgeries. But her determination to not let the tragedy define her life has been inspiring. She has since founded the Lulu Strong Foundation, which provides support to other amputees and their families. Despite the challenges she faced, Lulu has also embraced sports, learning how to run again and aiming for the Paralympics.
In reflecting on her journey, Lulu said, “I think knowing that I have a large support system behind me, and just continuing to get better, not only for myself but for them, and just show them that anything is possible.”
Conclusion
Lulu Gribbin’s story is one of incredible courage and resilience. Despite the life-changing injuries she suffered in the shark attack, she has turned her tragedy into motivation to inspire others. By sharing her experience, including the haunting final moments before the attack, Lulu is helping raise awareness and support for amputees and those facing life-altering challenges.
Lulu’s journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, strength and perseverance can lead to a brighter future. With her sights set on the Paralympics and her unwavering determination, Lulu continues to prove that anything is possible.
