The mother of a 27-year-old Kapaau man who was bitten Sunday by a tiger shark while spearfishing in waters off Upolu Point in North Kohala said her son has been given a “good prognosis” by doctors.
The mother of a 27-year-old Kapaau man who was bitten Sunday by a tiger shark while spearfishing in waters off Upolu Point in North Kohala said her son has been given a “good prognosis” by doctors.
Laurie Rocha, mother of Braxton Rocha, posted on Facebook: “to all my FB ‘ohana and friends, I just want to send out a huge MAHALO for all your prayers as Braxton goes through surgery and many days of recovery. Doctor just came in, all is well. Good prognosis, just need to watch for infection. Love to all of you from Willy, myself and our family.”
Rocha was reportedly about 60 yards offshore when he was attacked by the tiger shark, estimated to be about 13 feet long. He managed to make it ashore and call his fishing buddy for help.
The injured man posted a video to Instagram shortly after the attack in which he said, “Just got attacked by a tiger shark! Hoo! Going to the hospital!” The video, which showed graphic footage of the injury to his leg, went viral, but has since been removed from the social media site.
Rocha was en route to the hospital in the back of a pickup truck when met by an ambulance at the 21-mile marker of Akoni Pule Highway. The ambulance took him to Kamehameha Park in Kapaau, and a county helicopter flew him to the hospital from there.
Braxton Rocha’s Facebook page has numerous messages of support.
“Your are defiantly (sic) the baddest dude I know. Get well brotha and you know I’m thinking about you over on the mainland,” one poster wrote.
Some of the posts had a humorous component, as well.
“Would be one Kohala boy for get torn up by one Tiger Shark and then film em!!!!!!! Love you Hawaiian! You got this!” posted one well-wisher.
“I’m fairly certain I’ve told you in the past that sharks don’t like to play patty cake,” another wrote, and added, “Stay strong man!”
An online fundraising page has been set up by Rocha’s relatives under Braxton Rocha Medical Fund at gofundme.com.
“He has made it through surgery and is now in intensive care,” the page reads.
“While we are hopeful that he will recover and will be able to keep his leg, there is no certainty at this time. He will continue to need medical care and there will be additional rehabilitation and therapy needed after he is released from the hospital.
“Braxton does not have medical insurance at this time, so any help that you may be willing to extend to him and his family would be greatly appreciated.”
As of late Monday afternoon, more than $2,500 of a $30,000 goal had been raised.
On the Internet: www.gofundme.com/tu4n4c8k
Email John Burnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.