Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Surfer Steven Payne Presumed Dead After Shark Attack in Western Australia

The 37-year-old's family and community mourn his loss as authorities suspend recovery efforts at Wharton Beach.

  • Steven Payne, a 37-year-old surfer originally from New Zealand, was attacked by a shark while surfing in chest-deep water at Wharton Beach, Western Australia, on Monday.
  • Witnesses, including Payne's girlfriend, reported hearing screams before seeing his surfboard floating with visible bite marks; his body has not been recovered.
  • Payne's family described him as a 'gentle giant' and stated he would not have supported a shark cull, emphasizing his respect for the ocean and its risks.
  • The attack marks the fourth fatal shark incident off the Esperance coast in eight years, prompting calls for improved shark safety measures and expanded monitoring systems.
  • Local authorities and community leaders are planning discussions on shark mitigation strategies while allowing time for the community to grieve.
Hero image