Dad of 2 Identified After Being Killed by 13-Foot Shark as Authorities Say Friends Did the ‘Best They Could’ to Save Him
“Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven,” Shirene Mattaboni said following her husband’s death
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NEED TO KNOW
- A 38-year-old dad of two has been identified as the victim of a shark attack off the west coast of Australia over the weekend
- Steven Mattaboni was a surveyor and “avid fisherman,” according to his wife
- Three friends rushed him to shore, but were unable to save him
A father of two has been identified as the victim of a fatal shark attack off the west coast of Australia over the weekend.
Steven Mattaboni, a 38-year-old surveyor, died after he was bitten by the animal at Horseshoe Reef off the coast of Rottnest Island on Saturday, May 16, The Guardian, news.com.au and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
He was in the water “when he was believed to have been bitten by a shark” around 9:55 a.m. local time that morning, a spokesperson for the St. John WA Ambulance previously told PEOPLE. Officials told news.com.au that the shark was about 13 feet long.
At the time, Mattaboni had been spearfishing with three friends about a half mile offshore, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
Police told the outlet that the victim suffered “horrific” injuries and was pulled into the boat by his friends, who performed CPR on their way back to shore.
Awaiting paramedics were unable to revive him, the St. John WA Ambulance spokesperson told PEOPLE.
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At a press conference, police praised the three friends and their heroic efforts.
“I want to acknowledge the diver’s friends who played a critical role in doing the best they could to bring [him] back to shore,” said WA Police Minister Reece Whitby, according to the ABC. “My heart and thoughts go out to the man’s family, friends and loved ones.”
The day after the fatal attack, Mattaboni’s wife shared a heartbreaking tribute.
“Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven,” said Shirene Mattaboni, according to the outlets.
“An avid fisherman and spearfisherman, who lived and breathed the ocean, he was always in tune with the sea,” she continued. “He was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back.”
Shirene added that Steven, who went by “Mattas,” was a “one-of-a-kind gentleman.”
“Our daughters have lost an incredible father far too soon,” she said, and extended her thanks to the first responders who tried to save him.
As Shirene moves forward without her “soulmate,” loved ones created a GoFundMe to help the young family. (The fundraiser has garnered more than $145,000 USD as of Monday, May 18.)
“Steven was truly one of a kind — a loving husband, devoted father, and an incredibly kind and genuine man who brought warmth and happiness to those around him,” wrote the organizer. “Above all else, he absolutely adored his three girls and was the most amazing dad.”
