13-year-old revisits Florida Keys reef where shark bit off his leg

Shark Attack Survivor Shares Remarkable Journey

Three years after a harrowing shark attack left 10-year-old Jameson Leader Jr. without his right leg below the knee, he reflects on the life-altering experience that follows him to this day. Now 13, Jameson, along with his father, Jameson Leader Sr., mother, and three siblings, visited Crystal Clear Waters in the Florida Keys, a place that holds both memories and a sense of adventure.

Jameson Sr. recalls telling Jameson’s younger brother, Nehemiah, what he observed during the incident, especially when he heard the urgent screams. “If you put Jameson on the boat, you see the incredible damage. A massive shark attacked him,” he recounted. “We never caught sight of the shark until it was too late.” The attack came unexpectedly, like something out of a nightmare, he said.

Jameson Jr. vividly remembers his encounter with a large bull shark. He had been enjoying himself underwater, exploring for turtles, when his world changed in an instant. “After it attacked me, there was just a rush of confusion. I didn’t even think—I just screamed for help,” he explained, recalling the chaos of the moment.

According to his parents, the aftermath was terrifying. Jameson Sr. said he held his son as blood poured from his injuries, fearing for Jameson’s life. “Below his knees, Jameson’s legs were almost completely gone,” he explained, emphasizing the horror of seeing only fragments of bone where there should have been limbs.

Yet, despite this chaos, a series of miraculous events began to unfold. The nearest boat was fortuitously the fastest on the reef, and it rushed to help. To their surprise, a nurse happened to be nearby and quickly jumped in, prepared to assist. “You just don’t expect a nurse out there,” he said, still in disbelief about the timing.

Jameson Jr. attributes part of his survival to his faith, recalling a moment during his ride to shore when he felt an otherworldly presence. “I saw someone—he didn’t say anything, but I felt calm,” he stated, highlighting how that feeling sustained him during a challenging time.

After spending three weeks in the hospital and undergoing multiple surgeries, Jameson continues to heal and will require more procedures in the future. However, he hasn’t let his injuries define him. “I still surf, play baseball, and even rock climb,” he said, excitedly sharing that he also plays electric guitar.

In a brave act of confronting his fears, Jameson returned to the location of the attack. “The Lord gave me the strength to go back to the reef,” he remarked, hinting at the importance of resilience. Interestingly, he has developed a curiosity about sharks, even having an image of one etched into his prosthetic leg. He dreams of going shark diving without a cage someday.