Famed surfer Bethany Hamilton pleads for help after her young nephew drowns: 'He still has a heartbeat'

Bethany Hamilton has asked her followers for help after a family tragedy.

The famed surfer – who lost her arm in a shark attack when she was 13 – has shared a plea via Instagram for any kind of information that could support her family after her nephew drowned.

She shared a picture of the young boy carrying a surfboard, saying he drowned "last night" but "still has a heartbeat and has fight in him".

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"My precious nephew was medivaced to Kapiʻolani in Oahu this morning after drowning last night," she wrote.

"We are wrecked. But I know how proper medical support can make or break someone's chance of survival and in this case we're asking for help from anyone who has information of what we can do to give my nephew the best chance."

Hamilton also tagged several experts in the field asking them to "please help!"

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She managed to get in contact with Dr Paul Harch, who specialises in emergency and hyperbaric medicine, after several commenters offered their assistance.

"Dr Harch is my father. I just messaged you with his cell #," commented Alyx Harch. "He wants you to give him a call. Sending you and your family lots of love ❤️"

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"I'm here in Florida with Dr Harch right now!!!" Commented another user. "He's aware and on it!!!!! 😍"

Hamilton, who is a mum of four herself, ended her post by asking followers to reach out to her brother Noah if they have "timely information" on how to help.

"Please pray," she wrote. "THANK YOU!"

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