Dr. Ryan Forbess, a doctor who was vacationing with his family in Florida, saved a girl’s life after she was attacked by a shark. Dr. Forbess and his friend, Dr. Mohammed Ali, were at the beach with their children when they heard commotion and saw blood in the water. They quickly sprang into action, pulling the girl out of the water and stopping the bleeding.
The girl, identified as 15-year-old Lulu Gribbin, suffered severe injuries, losing her left hand and having her right leg amputated. Despite the seriousness of her injuries, she survived the attack. Dr. Forbess, along with other medical professionals on the beach, worked together to stabilize the girl before first responders arrived and airlifted her to the hospital.
This incident was part of a series of shark attacks that occurred in Walton County, Florida, last week. In total, three people were bitten by sharks within a 90-minute span along a four-mile stretch of beaches. Another teenager suffered a foot wound, while a 45-year-old woman faced significant trauma to her stomach and had her left arm amputated. She remains in critical condition.
For his heroic actions, Dr. Forbess was honored by the mayor of Orange Beach, Alabama, where he resides. The mayor praised Dr. Forbess as a local hero and recognized his quick thinking and expertise in saving the girl’s life. Dr. Forbess, Dr. Ali, and the other medical professionals on the scene were commended for their efforts in helping the injured girl.
The community of Mountain Brook, Alabama, where Lulu Gribbin is from, rallied to support her during her recovery. Despite the challenges ahead, the girl is healing thanks to the swift actions of Dr. Forbess, Dr. Ali, and the medical team that assisted them on the beach.
Shark attacks are a rare but terrifying occurrence, and experts advise caution when swimming in waters known to have sharks. Being aware of the risks and taking appropriate safety measures can help prevent such incidents in the future. Dr. Forbess’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared for emergencies, even in unexpected situations like a day at the beach.