'Amazing mate': Teen mauled to death by shark identified
The teenager killed off the coast of NSW in a horrific shark attack has been identified.
Mani Hart-Deville was mauled to death at Wilsons Headland at Wooli Beach, north of Coffs Harbour, just before 2.30pm on Saturday.
Board-riders helped the 15-year-old to shore and he was given first aid for serious leg injuries but died at the scene despite efforts to resuscitate him.
NSW Ambulance inspector Scott Acton said “no words” could describe the scene paramedics faced.
Tributes are flowing for the year 10 student, who has been described as clever, artistic and a lover of the ocean.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Mani was a student at South Grafton High School.
“We have received some sad news about a member of our school community,” the school wrote on Facebook.
“One of our Year 10 students died suddenly and tragically. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with the student’s family and friends.”
South Grafton High School said students will receive support when they return from school holidays, and listed resources and mental health hotlines for parents.
Friend Zoe Simone Fletcher told the Sydney Morning Herald she was in disbelief following the tragic news.
“I still ... can't get my head around the fact that he's really gone. He was such an amazing mate, so caring and down to earth,” she said.
"This has and will continue to impact so many people's lives for many years to come. He will never be forgotten."
Following the fatal shark attack, beaches in the area were closed – including Wooli, Diggers Camp and Minnie Water – with drones and jetskis used on Sunday to assist investigations.
Surf Life Saving NSW warned people on Twitter not to enter the water in the region until further notice.
Clarence Valley mayor Jim Simmons said visitors had flocked to the region for the school holidays and there would likely have been many people in the water who would have been shaken by the tragedy.
It is Australia’s fifth fatal shark attack this year.
Last Saturday, a 36-year-old Sunshine Coast man was mauled by a shark while spearfishing off Queensland’s Fraser Island.
With AAP
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