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A 10-year-old boy lost part of his leg amputated following a gruesome shark attack in the Florida Keys, Local 10 reports.
Jameson Reeder Jr. was snorkeling 10 feet deep near Looe Key Reef over the weekend when the shark dealt a "crushing blow" to the boy's leg, according to a Facebook post from Jameson's uncle, Joshua Reeder.
The injured boy clung to a pool noodle as he screamed for his family, who hopped on a good Samaritan's boat and pulled him on the vessel. A nurse onboard tended to his injuries before he was airlifted to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital with his mother, reporters say.
Reeder believes an eight-foot-long bull shark bit his nephew. A surgeon had to amputate the leg before the knee.
"He is now out of surgery and resting and has now had the news of what all took place," the uncle wrote. "But yet he is still strong and in good spirits and will love and tell of this great story to millions of people all over the world of how Jesus spared his life and saved him."
James Miller set up an online fundraiser has been set up for Jameson and his family on GiveSendGo.
"We are asking for prayers and any additional financial help to support this dear sweet family as they recover both physically and mentally from this traumatic experience," Miller wrote. "One thing we know for sure, is Jameson Jr.’s fearless faith in God carried him through."