Australian fatal Swan River shark attack teen named

A heart-breaking statement has been released by the devastated mum and dad of a 16-year-old girl, who was killed in a tragic river shark attack, who has been named as Stella Berry.

Sophie and Matt, her deeply shocked parents, released a loving statement, which said:

“We are devastated and deeply shocked by the loss of our beautiful daughter Stella.

“We want to acknowledge the amazing support we have received from our family, friends, authorities and the WA community.

“Stella was a vibrant and happy girl with plans of living in Europe after school.

“She was a caring person and was a dear friend to many, across a variety of schools in the area.

“She had an infectious laugh which we couldn't help laughing at too when we heard it. Our thoughts are with Stella's many friends at this time.

“Stella loved creating art and spending time with her friends, particularly at the river and beach. She had her skipper's ticket and often took friends out on the river for a day of 'scurfing'.

“She was a beautiful and loving big sister and the best daughter we could have hoped for.”

Investigations are still continuing into the species of shark involved, with authorities thinking it is most likely to be a bull shark.

Although shocking, such fatal shark encounters are extremely rare, with the last death in this river by shark 100 years ago when a 13-year-old boy was killed.

Historically, until Stella's attack, there had only been six recorded shark attacks on the river in total, with the most recent encounter taking place in January 2021.

Fisheries minister Don Punch, said: “Most of the risk occurs in the ocean, historically the river has been a low-risk environment. We will do whatever we can in terms of researching what the risks are and what the best way of reducing risk is.”

Whilst it is extremely important to note that shark attacks on humans are incredibly rare and the river was considered a low risk environment, that is no comfort to a family suffering the shocking and unexpected loss of their beloved daughter.

Friends of Stella Berry gathered in North Fremantle on Sunday to lay flowers and remember the 16-year-old. (ABC News: Herlyn Kaur)

It’s because of their rarity and the very nature of them, that fatal shark encounters often gain widespread media and social media coverage.

These people aren't just statistics and despite the odds being against it, we need to remember that this isn't a film, a young life has been tragically taken - irrespective of them being in a shark's domain.

Our condolences go out to Stella's family and friends.