Great White Shark Attacked Teen In Encinitas, Testing Confirms

ENCINITAS, CA – DNA evidence obtained from the wetsuit of a boy who was seriously injured in a shark attack in Encinitas in September confirmed the 13-year-old was attacked by a great white shark, the city announced Wednesday.

Laboratory results obtained Friday provided conclusive evidence that a great white shark attacked the teen, said Dr. Chris Lowe, director of Long Beach State University's Shark Lab. Eyewitness accounts had previously suggested the probability of a white shark's involvement.

"Shark bite incidents are exceedingly rare considering the number of people that use Southern California waters, but people do need to be aware that the fall season is a time when more large juvenile and adult sharks may be moving along the coast," Lowe said.

Keane Hayes of Encinitas was attacked by the shark at about 7 a.m. on Sept. 29 at Beacon's Beach, while lobster diving on the first day of this year's season for legally harvesting the crustaceans.

Four beachgoers, including a kayaker, helped the injured boy get to shore and provided first-aid prior to the arrival of an ambulance. Paramedics airlifted Keane to Rady Children's Hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition.

The boy underwent surgery for a wound that stretched over the left side of his body and head, from his upper back and torso to his arm and the side of his face, said physician Tim Fairbanks, chief of pediatric and trauma surgery at Rady Children's Hospital.

Keane was released from the hospital on Oct. 4 and continues to recover at home, according to city officials.

A GoFundMe page set up to help the Hayes family with medical expenses had raised more than $37,000 as of Wednesday morning.

Also see:

• Encinitas Beach Reopens After Shark Attack
• Boy, 13, Attacked By Shark At Encinitas Beach
• Encinitas Shark Attack Prompts Fundraiser For Victim

By City News Service; Kristina Houck/Patch contributed to this report.

Image via Shutterstock