**Bethany Hamilton Addresses Long-Standing Rumors About Her 2003 Shark Attack**
More than two decades after surviving a life-altering shark attack, professional surfer Bethany Hamilton is setting the record straight about what happened in the aftermath — particularly regarding the fate of the shark involved.
The incident occurred on Halloween in 2003, when 13-year-old Bethany was surfing with her best friend Alana Blanchard at Tunnels Beach on the island of Kauai. During that session, a 14-foot tiger shark attacked her, resulting in the loss of her left arm. Despite the traumatic event, Bethany has gone on to achieve remarkable success in surfing and beyond, becoming a mother, author, motivational speaker, and big wave surfer.
Recently, Hamilton took to social media to clear up widespread rumors, including speculation that she was responsible for the shark’s death. She confirmed that the shark was indeed killed by local authorities shortly after the attack, but emphasized that she had nothing to do with that decision.
“While I was passive in this action,” she said, “I do know most of the local community was relieved the shark that bit me was killed… It was cruising surf lineups for weeks! And yes, I know we are in their environment.”
She addressed a common question she’s received over the years — whether she herself killed the shark — with a mix of humor and frustration:
“Imagine a 13-year-old girl, who just lost her arm to a shark, and then she goes and kills the shark somehow. That’d be pretty beast mode, honestly. Super beast mode. But that wasn’t the case. I have no clue. I was not involved. It wasn’t my choice. I was just in the hospital recovering.”
In addition to clarifying her role in the shark’s death, Hamilton also advocated for safer and more humane alternatives to shark culling. She supports Sharkbanz, a technology that emits electromagnetic fields to deter sharks, noting that it presents a safer option for both humans and marine life.
“On the mention of shark safety,” she wrote, “I do think the Sharkbanz is a great support to oppose shark culling! People can choose to use it for added safety or not! I think it’s a much better option than nets (that mess with other animals) and culling.”
Hamilton continues to surf some of the world’s most dangerous waves, proving her resilience and courage. But as she clarifies these long-standing myths, she’s also showing that her strength lies not just in physical perseverance, but in honesty and advocacy for ocean awareness and respectful coexistence with marine life.