Shark attack victim 'overjoyed' to be reunited with daughter

Leah Stewart, a 34-year-old Sydney woman, has awoken from an induced coma and is out of critical condition following a severe shark attack at Coogee Beach on June 13. Her brother, Joshua Stewart, announced the positive update on Thursday, stating she is now speaking with loved ones and her medical team.

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It's amazing to hear from her so much sooner than anyone expected.

Stewart has undergone a series of surgeries to address life-threatening injuries, including the amputation of her arm. She had previously been briefly taken out of the coma to tell her mother and partner she loved them.

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Both Leah and August were overjoyed last night to see each other for the first time since the attack (these last weeks were the first time they had ever been apart overnight).

"It's amazing to hear from her so much sooner than anyone expected," Joshua Stewart said in a statement. "Both Leah and August were overjoyed last night to see each other for the first time since the attack (these last weeks were the first time they had ever been apart overnight)."

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Leah still has a long way to go, with an extensive recovery and rehabilitation process that will have her in and out of surgery through the coming weeks.

While Stewart is focusing on resting and healing, her recovery will involve extensive rehabilitation and further surgeries in the coming weeks. Her brother noted that she still lacks use of her hand due to severed tendon and nerve damage, requiring intensive treatment. He emphasized her strength in fighting to return to her daughter, August.

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Leah has shown she is so strong, fighting to come back to her daughter August.