WSL athletes donated a number of items that were raffled and auctioned off to raise funds for West Oz shark attack survivor Alex Travaglini. Photo: Busselton Dunsborough Times
A fundraiser to support Margaret River surfer and shark attack survivor, Alex Travaglini, raised more than $11,000 on Friday to support his family during this “indefinite amount of time off work.”
The 37-year-old father of two was the first of two surfers attacked during the contest window for the Margaret River Pro – ultimately leading the World Surf League to cancel the event due to safety concerns.
A total of 700 tickets were sold for the event, and 500 raffle tickets were scooped up by attendees hoping to score one of the many prizes donated by the WSL and Surfing WA. Prizes were also auctioned off including John John Florence’s signed surfboard, which went for $1500, Julian Wilson’s board and jersey that went for over $1000, and Stephanie Gilmore’s jersey that sold for $385.
The over $11,000 raised on Friday is in addition to the more than $17,000 raised through a Gofundme page set up by a family friend of Travaglini’s. Most of the funds raised will go to support Travaglini’s various medical expenses, physical therapy, and transportation to Perth to meet with specialists. The Gofundme page explains that during the prolonged time off work, Travaglini hopes to work with shark researchers to create deterrent devices. “Alex would like to donate a portion of all proceeds raised, to investigate shark research to help better understand shark behavior and minimize or prevent attacks altogether,” explains the page.
According to reports, Travaglini was attacked three times at the legs by a 13-foot great white. He managed to punch the shark on the nose and body surf to shore, his friends using a leash as a tourniquet until emergency crews arrived. The most recent update on the Gofundme page explains that three days ago Travaglini was able to walk out of the hospital with crutches. Though, he still has a long road to full recovery.
