Brave 10-Year-Old Sister Saves Brother After Shark Attack in Florida

A family snorkeling trip on Labor Day turned into a fight for survival when 8-year-old Richard Burrows was mauled by a blacktip shark off the coast of Key Largo, Florida. In the chaos, it was his quick-thinking 10-year-old sister, Rose, who helped save his life.

Horror at Horseshoe Reef
Richard was snorkeling with his father, David, and Rose near Horseshoe Reef when the shark struck around 3 p.m. on September 1. The predator clamped onto Richard’s right leg above the knee and also bit his arm, sending him bleeding heavily into the water.

David acted immediately, applying a tourniquet to his son’s leg. A Good Samaritan who had stopped their boat to help added a second tourniquet. According to Lt. Col. Vince Nelson of WFTV, these quick actions were crucial in preventing further blood loss and likely saved Richard’s life.

A Sister’s Courage
Chilling 911 audio obtained by the Miami Herald captures Rose following her father’s instructions to hold her brother’s leg up to slow the bleeding. The family praised her bravery:

“Richard’s 10-year-old sister, Rose, was instrumental in her brother’s rescue. Both of her parents are immensely proud of the strength of character and composure she demonstrated under pressure.”

Road to Recovery
Once back on shore, Richard was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he underwent hours of emergency surgery to save his leg. Miraculously, he is now recovering at home. The family shared:

“Richard is recovering well from his surgery and gaining strength by the day. Our hope is that he will soon return to the ocean he loves, with his sister right by his side.”

A Summer of Shark Encounters
Blacktip sharks, common in Florida waters, can grow over six feet long and are known for their fast, sharp strikes. Richard’s attack is just one of several this summer:

• 8-year-old Harper Ochoa was bitten while playing in shallow Texas waters.

• 9-year-old Leah Lendel nearly lost her hand in another Florida attack.

• Spearfisher Chance Armand survived a brutal bull shark mauling near Pensacola Pass.

For the Burrows family, however, the focus is now on healing, recovery, and returning to the ocean safely—together. Rose’s quick thinking and courage not only saved her brother’s life but proved that heroism can come in even the youngest, smallest packages.