Talented teenage surfer Khai Cowley was tragically killed in a shark attack off the coast of South Australia on Thursday.
Cowley, just 15-years-old, was pulled from a popular beach minutes after the devastating incident.
The attack occurred near Ethel Beach in the Innes National Park, and has shaken both Khai's family and the wider local community.
According to eye witnesses, the teen was attacked by a four-metre great white shark, as his father looked on in horror.
Khai was on holiday with his family at the time and was eager to brush up his surfing skills off South Australia's Yorke Peninsula.
One bystander who witnessed the harrowing incident described the attack to the Adelaide Advertiser.
They said: "The shark took his leg, and so another local guy ran out, jumped on his board and paddled out to help him.
"The shark was circling them as the guy pulled the boy out of the water. There was a lot of blood.
"He brought him to shore but I think it was too late by then."
Surfing South Australia offered their condolences to Khai's family, while also paying tribute to the teenager's surfing talents.
They said in a statement: "We are devastated to learn that a young, talented and dearly loved member of our surfing community, was the surfer involved in the attack at Ethel Beach, and are absolutely shattered to hear that the incident was fatal.
"Our utmost deepest sympathies are with his family."
A GoFundMe page has since been set up in Khai's memory. Many people have donated to the page, with close to $65,000 Australian dollars (£35,000) raised at the time of writing.
"I’m here to try help raise funds for my sister, Kate and brother, Tim to cover the cost of the funeral service," a family friend posted alongside the donation. "Life can change in a second and we are never prepared."
While another added: "Our friend's son and grandson Khai died yesterday in a shark attack which has not only rocked a family yet a whole community.
"As a community we come together and this is one way we can support this family right now. Thank you for your kindness."
Khai was on track to reach the very top of the surfing world, ranking as the 146th under 18 surfer in the country before his tragic death.
Featured Image Credit: Seaview Road Boardriders & FacebookTopics: Surfing
Joe Adams