Tragic Loss for Surfer Bethany Hamilton's Family as Nephew Passes Away

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ICARO Media Group
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19/10/2024 19h17

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Renowned pro surfer Bethany Hamilton and her family are reeling from the devastating loss of her nephew, Andrew Hamilton, who passed away a week after a tragic incident. The three-year-old, son of Timothy and Kyah Hamilton, was found unconscious in a partially filled bathtub last week. Despite exhaustive life-saving efforts, Andrew succumbed to his injuries on October 17, 2024.

Timothy Hamilton announced the heartbreaking news on Instagram, expressing his profound grief. He shared that Andrew's passing is mourned deeply by his parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a close-knit congregation at Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church. The church's pastor, William Pierce, has been a pillar of support, providing steadfast prayers and comfort to the family during this trying time.

Bethany Hamilton, 34, also paid tribute to her nephew on social media. She conveyed deep sorrow but also expressed a faith-filled perspective, trusting that Andrew is now in a state of complete joy with Jesus. Bethany, who became a public figure after surviving a shark attack in 2003 and subsequently sharing her story in a memoir and the film "Soul Surfer," had recently sought help from medical experts to assist Andrew after the incident.

The family set up a fundraising page detailing the sequence of events leading up to Andrew's hospitalization. The young boy had developed a fever and was found unconscious in a bathtub with only six inches of water, which was puzzling given his strength and swimming skills. Despite initial emergency responses and being airlifted from Wilcox Hospital to Oahu, Andrew's condition, which included kidney damage and brain swelling, did not improve.

Noah Hamilton, Bethany and Timothy's eldest brother, also took to social media to remember the joyous moments he recently spent with Andrew. He reminisced about taking him surfing just days before the accident and described Andrew as a strong and vibrant child. While the exact circumstances of how Andrew fell unconscious remain unclear, Noah finds solace in the belief that his nephew is now in a better place.

The family's faith and the overwhelming support from their community have been crucial in navigating this profound loss. As they mourn, they also celebrate Andrew's life, finding comfort in the faith that he rests in heavenly peace.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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