13-Foot Great White Shark Attacked Father Of 2, Wife Drops Heartbreaking Post, Here's All About Him

It was only a few months ago, when social media was filled with fake news of an orca killing its trainer, who was claimed to be Jessica Redcliff. Well, later it was proved to be AI-generated content, for that matter.

Well, on May 16, 2026, a real-life incident, which is closely connected to Jessica's case, left everyone heartbroken. The incident took place at Rottnest Island, as a 38-year-old man, identified as Steven Mattaboni was attacked by a great white shark. Now, the wife of the late surveyor from Perth released an emotional statement about the same, leaving everyone feeling for him. Here's everything about him and the incident.

A 38-year-old Perth surveyor was killed by a 13-foot great white shark

The incident took place at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Island on Australia’s western coast just before 10 a.m. on May 16, 2026. The island is 19 miles away from Perth. It was revealed by a spokesperson that the victim was bitten by the 13-foot-long white shark, and it's the second major accident that reportedly happened in that particular area this year, which reportedly led people to increase the security there.

A video was released, sharing a glimpse of the current incident, where police were seen taking a boat to the place to rescue the victim. However, although the victim was rescued and brought back to the shore, he never returned to his consciousness, as reported. Speaking to PEOPLE, a spokesperson for St. John WA Ambulance, police said:

"A 38-year-old man was in the water at Horseshoe Reef when he was believed to have been bitten by a shark. The man was conveyed by vessel to shore, where he was met by St. John WA paramedics. Sadly, the man was unable to be revived."

The victim's wife released a heartbreaking statement on her husband being killed by a shark

Emergency responders rescued him and, with the help of a boat, sent him to Geordie Bay on the North of the Island, where paramedics did everthing they could, but the victim couldn't be revived. Following this, an emergency helicopter was also sent to the land to evacuate the victim and bring him to a mainland hospital; however, he passed away.

Today, i.e. on May 17, 2026, his wife, Shirene Mattaboni, released a statement to confirm her husband's death. Shirene Mattaboni is a clinical nurse specialist, and there's no denying the fact that the family is currently navigating a hard time. She, in a statement, revealed that her heart is broken to confirm the news of her loving husband's passing. 

Shirene then spoke about her late husband's love for the sea while mentioning that he was an avid fisherman and spearfisherman, who was always in tune with the sea. Steven was a kind human being who would, in a word, give people the shirt off his back, and that much generous and fiercely loyal he was. Apart from being an amazing human being, Steven was an adorable father to his two children. He had two daughters with his wife, one of them is four months old, and the other will turn three next month. Speaking more about her late husband, Shirene said:

"Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven, known affectionately to his mates as Mattas. An avid fisherman and spearfisherman, who lived and breathed the ocean, he was always in tune with the sea. He was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back.We lost a one-of-a-kind gentleman, and our daughters have lost an incredible father far too soon”.

Photos: YouTube, IG

We wish the family strength to deal with this tough time!

Also Read: John Travolta And Kelly Preston's Love Story, 29 Years Of Devotion Marked By Love And Loss Of A Son

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