The surfing community is mourning the loss of Bethany Hamilton’s nephew, Andrew, who died days after he was found unresponsive in a bathtub. The surfing legend announced the death via an Instagram post on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
Hamilton’s nephew Andrew was found unresponsive after accidentally drowning in a bathtub on October 12, 2024. The next day Bethany Hamilton pleaded for help via an instagram post asking people to reach out with information that would help save her nephew’s life. At the time she said her nephew was hospitalized following the drowning accident. She also noted while he was unconscious, he was still alive. The post read:
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“My precious nephew was medevaced to kapiolani in Oahu this morning after drowning last night. He still has a heartbeat and has a fight in him. We are wrecked. But I know how proper medical support can make or break someone’s chance of survival and in this case, we’re asking for help from anyone who has information on what we can do to give my nephew the best chance.”
Days after the incident, Hamilton posted a devastating update on Instagram announcing the death of her beloved nephew. In a post dated October 20, she wrote:
“The Lord has received my sweet nephew Andrew into his beautiful care. While my family and I will miss him dearly, we trust that his joy is full with Jesus.”
Hamilton also offered a prayer in tribute to her nephew. She said:
"Here is a prayer of faith that was prayed by my brother, and our whole family, this last week. This prayer paints so incredibly what it is to have faith. Faith is to trust that Gods will for our life is greater than our own. Thank you all for the love, prayers and support in this trying time."
Community offers support as Bethany Hamilton announces nephew's death
In the wake of the loss, over a hundred thousand people offered love and support to the grieving family. Bethany Hamilton's post announcing her nephew's death was flooded with comments from followers, who commiserated with the family's loss. A social media user, Aubrey Rylan, said:
"Oh, Bethany, my heart grieves for your family, but as Paul said, we don't grieve like those who have no hope! He is with Jesus for ETERNITY!"
Marli Goldman echoed the sentiment. She wrote:
"I’m so sorry Bethany. What a beautiful prayer. Praying for your family."
Bethany Hamilton is no stranger to adversity. On her way to becoming a surfing star, Bethany Hamilton lost her arm in 2003 when she was 13 years old. At the time, a 14-foot tiger shark clamped down while she was lounging on a board with her left arm hanging out on the side. Despite being mentally scarred by the shark attack, Hamilton was determined to live out her dream to become the best surfer.
Hamilton began surfing professionally in 2007 and since then has won numerous competitions. She also penned the New York Times best-selling autobiography in 2004. The book was turned into the 2011 film Soul Surfer. The film made $43 million worldwide against a production budget of $18 million.
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