The victim of Saturday’s fatal shark attack in the Swan River has been confirmed as Stella Berry, a 16-year-old student from Shenton College.
WA Police Acting Fremantle District Inspector Paul Robinson said authorities believed the teen was jetskiing on the river with friends about 3.20pm when she jumped into the water to swim with a pod of dolphins near the old Fremantle traffic bridge.
Her friends, some who are students from Scotch College, witnessed the attack.
Robinson said the Perth teenager was pulled from the water but died at the scene, despite efforts to revive her.
Shenton College principal Michael Morgan said the school’s entire student support team which includes psychologists, chaplains and nurses, will be available to support students as needed.
“I understand and respect that people respond to grief and loss in different ways, and that a loss such as this can trigger a broad range of emotional responses that are not always anticipated or evident,” he said.
“I have personally offered, on behalf of the College, our condolences and support to Stella’s family during this very sad time.”
Berry’s sister Mae also attends Shenton College.
Scotch College headmaster AJ O’Connell also issued a statement to say Stella was the daughter of Sophie Berry, its middle school dean of teaching and learning. Her father Matt is a teacher at Methodist Ladies College.
“As highly respected staff members of both Scott and MLC, Sophie and Matt’s loss of Stella will be far-reaching,” he said.
“A couple of our young men, friends of Stella were with her at the time of the tragedy and were the first responders.”
He said students would be offered support to cope with the tragic loss.
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