North Texas Woman Recalls Horrifying Shark Attack on South Padre Island
Independence Day Shattered by a Terrifying Incident
Residents of South Padre Island are still shaken following a shocking shark attack that took place on Independence Day. Among the victims was a woman from North Texas, who remembers the harrowing incident in bone-chilling detail. Tabitha Sullivent, a resident of Celina, reported how her family’s idyllic July 4th holiday turned into a scene straight from a horror movie.
The Shark Attack
“I turned around, and all I saw was something gray in the water. I just kicked at it, thinking it was a huge fish before I realized it was coming at us. That’s when I think it got hold of my leg,” Sullivent revealed. The attack occurred in shallow water, and to her terrifying surprise, it was a large shark that had aggressively latched onto her left calf.
“I was just screaming ‘help’ and trying to reach the shore. Even once I was on the shore, I felt numbness – I guess that’s the best way to describe it,” she added. According to Sullivent, her husband Cary jumped into the water to assist her, but he also fell prey to the fearsome creature and sustained two bite wounds.
A Community comes Together
In a remarkable act of community spirit, a group of strangers came forward and assisted in pulling Sullivent from the water. The attack was eventually reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife officials. It was determined by local authorities that four individuals were involved in the attack – two had suffered severe injuries and required immediate hospital attention, while the remaining two had incurred minor injuries. They all appeared to have been attacked by the same large shark.
The Aftermath
Sullivent, unfortunately, will require multiple reconstructive surgeries following the attack. However, there is some positive news: doctors are hopeful that she will be able to retain her leg and regain her ability to walk after a period of physical therapy. “I have movement in my toes and my ankle. My bone structure is good. I’m going to probably need physical therapy, for sure,” stated Sullivent.
Counting Blessings
The day following the incident served as the Sullivents’ 16th wedding anniversary. This was a day they never anticipated spending in a hospital room. However, they are grateful that they could still celebrate the milestone together. “Somebody or something was definitely looking over us for sure,” Sullivent said. Their experience, while undoubtedly traumatic, serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife, even in areas where individuals usually feel safe.
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
