Jameson Reeder Jr., who was penalized as a child, is now 13 years old. He’s still beating the odds today after he survived an accidental, life-changing shark attack at the age of just 10. In August 2022, he experienced the rich marine life of the stunning Looe Key Sanctuary Preservation Area in the Florida Keys while snorkeling. That’s when the crash happened. An aggressive 9-foot bull shark bit him, and he ended up losing his right leg. Though traumatized by the experience, Jameson has come to stand as a powerful reminder of resilience and hope.
Since the attack, Jameson has completed six surgeries and needs several more as he continues to grow. He has come to use a prosthetic leg, which, appropriating his shark-bait status, bears an airbrushed picture of a great white shark. No matter what he’s dealing with, he approaches each day with incredible positivity. Putting on his prosthetic leg, he says, feels as natural as the air around him. His mom, Mary Reeder, ensures us that the shark attack has not put a damper on him.
Jameson’s bravery truly knows no bounds as he revisits the devastation in the Florida Keys. He courageously returns to the water, which plays a critical role in his recovery. “I was a little scared before I jumped in … I wanted to go in and for a split two seconds, it was like a whole flashback of the whole shark attack just because of the environment of the whole reef,” Jameson reflected. He added, “I knew I had the Lord and so, I popped up and I just had a lot of fun.”
Before the attack, Jameson was a budding baseball pitcher, and he’s currently doing everything in his power to get that love back. His father, Jameson Reeder Sr., said there was no greater pride than to witness his son’s journey. To him, watching me defeat that fear was an incredible moment. It wasn’t just a win for him and his entire team, it was a win for all the people who’ve been tracking the saga.
The Reeder family hopes Jameson’s road to recovery will serve as a story of “happiness and power.” They have shared their experiences in a new book titled “Rescue at the Reef: The Miraculous True Story of a Little Boy with Big Faith,” which is now available for purchase online and in stores.
Only by proceeding with hope and healing can we transform Jameson’s tragic story into one of resilience. “The message is there is hope and healing,” Jameson Sr. said, emphasizing the impact of their journey on others facing challenges.
And as Jameson gets used to his new normal, he’s living life to the fullest. “I had to learn how to walk, run, jump, and all that stuff,” he said, showcasing his determination to live life fully despite the obstacles he faces.
