17-year-old girl bitten by shark had leg amputated, hands damaged

ATLANTIC BEACH, Carteret County — A teenager has "extensive injuries" after a shark attack sent her to the hospital over the weekend.

17-year-old Paige Winter, a student at New Bern High School, was swimming at Fort Macon State Park when officials say a shark bit her. WTVD reports Winter's father, Charlie, immediately jumped into the water to save her life.

“I would like to thank everyone for reaching out and helping me the last 24 hours as a result of the shark attack that occurred at Fort Macon on June 2," Paige Winter said in a statement. "Although I have extensive injuries, including an amputated leg and damage to my hands, I will be OK."

Officials say the 911 call came in around 12:20 p.m. Sunday. Atlantic Beach EMS arrived and treated the teen. She was then airlifted to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville with what Atlantic Beach Fire Department officials said was "deep lacerations to her leg, pelvic and hand areas."

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Sunday evening, Vidant Medical Center released the following statement, identifying Winter as the victim:

Vidant Health can confirm that Paige Winter is at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, N.C. recovering from a shark attack that occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. on June 2, 2019 at Fort Macon. She is in good condition and receiving excellent care. Her family expresses their appreciation for the first responders, the individuals on the beach who helped and her heroic father who saved her life. Despite this unfortunate circumstance, Paige is an unwavering advocate for the marine life and the animals who live in the water. She wishes for people to continue to respect sharks in their environment and their safety.

In Winter's statement released Monday, she added, "Thank you to the care team at Vidant Medical Center who is continuing to provide excellent care. I know I have a long road to recovery, which includes additional surgeries. I will continue to stay positive and be thankful that it was not worse.”

Sunday night's report