A 12-year-old boy has died in hospital after being mauled by a shark in Sydney Harbour last weekend, his family has confirmed.

The boy, named as Nico Antic in an online fundraiser, had been fighting for his life after being bitten on both legs on 18 January at a harbour beach in Vaucluse, in Sydney’s east.

In a statement on Saturday his parents, Lorena and Juan, confirmed their son had succumbed to his injuries.

“We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away,” they said in a joint statement.

“Nico was a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit. He was always full of life and that’s how we’ll remember him.

“We would like to sincerely thank the first responders and the teams at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick for everything they did to care for Nico.

“We would also like to thank everyone in the community for their support and kind messages.”

Nico Antic’s friends had rushed to assist him, with at least one jumping into the water to pull him to safety, police said. Photograph: GoFundMe

Shark beach at Nielsen park, Vaucluse, near where Nico and his friends had been playing. Photograph: Jessica Hromas/The GuardianNico had been in a critical condition since he arrived at the hospital on 18 January.

A GoFundMe had raised nearly $240,000 for Nico’s family as of Saturday afternoon, with tributes including from Kate Barley, mother of Khai Cowley, a 15-year-old killed by a shark in 2023.

“From one mum to another, my heart is holding you so tightly,” Barley’s comment, posted earlier this week, read.

“I lost my beautiful boy Khai in a shark attack in South Australia — he was only 15 — and I know how unbearable this waiting and fear can be. Your precious boy is in our thoughts and prayers, and your family is being held with deep love and strength right now.”

Shark beach was closed to swimmers in the aftermath of the attack. Photograph: Jessica Hromas/The Guardian

Nico was part of the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club in the Nippers program and was awarded most improved for under-11 boys in 2024.

He had been swimming outside the shark net enclosure near Shark beach at Nielsen park on Sunday afternoon when what was thought to be a bull shark attacked him.

Nico’s friends rushed to assist him, with at least one jumping into the water to pull him to safety, Supt Joe McNulty of NSW police’s marine area command, said on Monday.

NSW police confirmed a report would be prepared for the coroner.

The incident was the first of four shark bites on the New South Wales coast in 48 hours.

On Monday, an 11-year-old’s surfboard was bitten at Dee Why, and a 27-year-old man was bitten while surfing in Manly.

On Tuesday morning a 39-year-old man was bitten at Point Plomer on the state’s mid-north coast, about five hours’ north of Sydney.

Experts have linked the spike in activity to intense rainfall, which flushed dirty water on to the coast and beaches.

An 11-year-old surfer in Dee Why’s board was attacked by a shark earlier this week, one of four attacks in 48 hours. He did not sustain injuries. Photograph: Manly Observer

Nearly 30 Sydney beaches were closed in the wake of the attacks, swimming events cancelled and experienced surfers have described themselves as afraid to return to the water this week.

All beaches reopened ahead of the long weekend – however Manly beach was closed again on Saturday after a shark sighting.

NSW’s shark management program, boosted by $2.5 million in December, includes SMART drumlines and drone patrols at 50 beaches during the school holidays.

Before he died, 12-year-old Nico Antic whispered just three words… Hours later, his family confirmed the heartbreaking outcome after the shark attack in Sydney Harbour.

What began as a bright afternoon on the water turned into an unimaginable tragedy for a family in Sydney. Nico had been enjoying a weekend outing near the harbour with friends and relatives when the incident occurred. The area, popular with locals and tourists alike, is known for its scenic views and usually calm waters. No one could have predicted how quickly the day would change.

According to witnesses, Nico and several other children were swimming close to a supervised section of the shoreline. Adults were nearby, watching and chatting, while boats moved slowly in the distance. Without warning, there was sudden commotion in the water. Shouts erupted as people realized something was wrong.

Bystanders acted immediately. Several adults rushed toward Nico and pulled him from the water within moments. Emergency services were called as others cleared space along the dock. Paramedics arrived quickly and began urgent medical treatment at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital.

Hospital staff worked for hours to stabilize the young boy. Family members gathered in the waiting area, holding onto hope as doctors did everything they could. Throughout the night, updates were described as “critical but ongoing.” Loved ones prayed for a miracle.

It was during those fragile hours that Nico, surrounded by family, briefly regained consciousness. According to relatives, he whispered three words that would forever stay in their hearts: “I love you.” The quiet declaration, spoken with what little strength he had left, became a final moment of connection between the boy and those who loved him most.

Despite exhaustive efforts by medical teams, Nico passed away later that evening due to complications from his injuries. The confirmation sent shockwaves through the community. Schoolmates, neighbors, and strangers alike expressed grief and disbelief that such a young life had ended so suddenly.

Police and marine authorities launched an immediate investigation following the attack. Officials confirmed that shark sightings in Sydney Harbour are rare but not impossible. Experts explained that marine animals sometimes travel into harbor areas, especially during warmer months when fish populations shift. Safety patrols were increased, and temporary swimming advisories were issued as a precaution.

Community members placed flowers and handwritten notes along the waterfront the following morning. Messages described Nico as kind, energetic, and always smiling. Teachers remembered him as a student who loved sports and helped classmates whenever he could. Friends spoke of his sense of humor and his loyalty.

Grief counselors were made available at his school to help children process what had happened. Many students struggled to understand how an ordinary day could end in such tragedy. Parents across the city found themselves holding their children closer, reminded of how unpredictable life can be.