Family of Khai Cowley speaks out after fatal shark attack

News

By Olivia Land

The heartbroken family of the teen surfer who was fatally mauled by a shark in front of his father said they are totally bereft by the sudden loss – but are buoyed by the support from the local community.

“So hurting…I’ve never seen people so hurt, honestly… it’s something to behold,” Khai Cowley’s grandfather, Peter Barley, told Nine News.

“I keep thinking at any minute he’s just going to keep walking through the front door,” Barley added.

Khai, 15, died Thursday when his leg was bitten off by a suspected great white shark off Ethel Beach on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula.

Within 48 hours, the shore where the horror attack took place was lined with floral tributes, and the flag outside the nearby surf shop was flying at half mast, Nine News noted.

“We are a very close, strong family and we’ll get through it,” Peter Barley said.

Khai was remembered by his loved ones as a talented surfer who was a natural on the waves.

He frequently surfed with his uncle, Adam Barley, Peter explained.

“The connection between Adam and Khai- witnessing it used to make me cry sometimes,” the grandfather recalled.

“When we were out in the water, it was like magic. Us three together- it was magical,” he added.

Despite their grief, the teen’s family is feeling supported by the beachside community,

“Because of the love coming his way, it negates the tragedy,” Peter Barley told Nine News.

“[Khai] really did make the most of life, he didn’t waste a second,” uncle Adam Barley told The Advertiser.

“He was very courageous, he would surf bigger waves than his dad Tim,” Adam said.

Khai’s father was with him on the water Thursday when the attack occurred.

“I started moving down toward the beach and I could see the dad on the rocks sort of yelling and his son swimming towards him,” witness Tim Philip initially told 7News of the scene.

Philip said the shark was probably about 13 feet long.

Khai’s aunt, Lauryn Barley, started a GoFundMe to help the family cover funeral costs.

As of Saturday, the page had raised over $51,000 – 10 times its original $5,100 goal.