Texas Boy Bitten by Shark in Bahamas Survives After Brother Stops Bleeding

A 12-year-old boy from Texas was bitten by a shark while swimming off Staniel Cay in the Exuma Cays on June 23. @ABC reported that Parker Roll was on vacation with his family when the incident occurred at a secluded beach. His 16-year-old brother Jack first spotted the animal, initially mistaking it for a rock and then a nurse shark before the brothers identified it as likely a reef shark measuring 8 to 10 feet long.

Jack heard an ear-piercing scream and saw the shark latched onto Parker's leg. He removed his swimsuit to wrap around the wound, carried Parker to the beach, and their brother Adam alerted the boat crew. The crew transported Parker roughly 60 miles to shore for medical care.

Parker said he did not feel the bite at first due to adrenaline and later described the pain as feeling like a knife stabbed into his calf and twisted. He underwent surgery at a local hospital and received multiple stitches. His toe was injured but his leg remained intact.

Parker can now walk short distances slowly but still experiences significant pain. Doctors told his parents they expect a full recovery. He credits Jack with saving his life by stopping the bleeding.

"I just thought I was gonna die," Parker told ABC News.