Just three years after a life-altering shark attack, a Florida teenager is retelling how faith and resilience helped him emerge from tragedy with a renewed love for the ocean—and sharks themselves.

According to Fox News, Jameson Reeder Jr., who lost his leg below the knee in a 2022 shark attack, is now sharing his powerful journey of survival, recovery, and an unshakable faith that helped him face his fears and return to the ocean that nearly claimed his life.

In August 2022, 10-year-old Jameson was snorkeling with his parents and three siblings at Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys. The family had traveled nine miles offshore for a recreational trip to explore the reef.

Equipped with a GoPro camera, Jameson dove underwater to film marine life when he saw a sea turtle. Moments later, an 8-foot bull shark emerged without warning and attacked him.

The shark bit off Jameson's right leg below the knee. In the chaos, Jameson never thought about what was happening until he saw the shark and began screaming for help.

Family’s swift action was key to survival

Jameson Sr., his father, heard the screams from the surface and quickly swam to help. After pulling his son out of the water and onto the family boat, the true extent of the damage became clear.

The shark had destroyed Jameson's lower leg. Only the tibia bone remained, bearing visible bite marks, with the foot hanging from the end—no flesh or muscle was left intact from the knee down.

Realizing they needed help fast, the family was relieved when the fastest boat in the area came to their aid. Seemingly out of nowhere, a nurse appeared in the water and offered immediate medical assistance using a dry bag filled with medical supplies.

‘Here I Am to Worship’ kept him conscious

As the boat raced back to shore, Jameson remained conscious and calm. He later explained that he had a vision during the ride that brought him peace and strength to stay awake.

According to Jameson, he saw a vision of Jesus who looked at him without speaking but gave him a comforting sense of calm. While being transported, the young boy sang "Here I Am to Worship" to keep himself afloat mentally and emotionally.

Once at the hospital, Jameson underwent four surgeries in three weeks. His recovery has required continued treatments, and he is expected to need additional surgeries in the coming years as his body grows.

Becoming active again with a new perspective

Jameson now uses a prosthetic leg that features an image of a shark—an intentional choice that highlights how he has chosen to confront his trauma head-on. Instead of growing afraid, he has developed a fascination with the animals that once harmed him.

He has returned to normal childhood activities with determination. Jameson now surfs, plays baseball, rock climbs, and even plays the electric guitar and sings.

His father recalled how Jameson would tell people in those early moments, “Jesus will save me,” and credits his son’s faith for playing a major role in his recovery and mental strength.

Revisiting the scene of the attack

Jameson has not only returned to the water but also to the very reef where the attack happened. The family made the trip together to help Jameson confront his fear and take back the place where his life was changed.

In what many would consider a remarkable transformation, Jameson now wants to go shark diving—without a cage. He has maintained an admiration for sharks despite what happened and seeks to better understand the animal that injured him.

This month, the Reeder family plans to return once again to Looe Key Reef to commemorate the anniversary of the attack and celebrate Jameson’s growth and courage.

Turning tragedy into inspiration for others

The Reeder family has shared their story in a book titled Rescue at the Reef: The Miraculous True Story of a Little Boy with Big Faith. The book recounts the harrowing moments of the attack and the family’s journey through recovery and faith.

Looking back, Jameson said, “The Lord gave me the strength to go back to the reef.” His story stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.