Popular father Steven Mattaboni was mauled to death by a great white shark at a popular tourist destination he was visiting with friends – he leaves behind a wife and two young children
The family of a shark attack victim who was torn apart by a monster great white have paid tribute to their “one-of-a-kind gentleman.”
Steven “Mattas” Mattaboni, 38, was attacked by the shark near a popular Australian holiday hotspot on Saturday. The dad-of-two had visited Rottnest Island, near Perth, Western Australia, when the shark brutally mauled him.
Following Steven’s death, his wife Shirene remembered him a a generous and doting father to their two daughters, aged two and four months. She said: “Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven, known affectionately to his mates as ‘Mattas’.
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“An avid fisherman and spearfisherman, who lived and breathed the ocean, he was always in tune with the sea. He was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back.
“The world has lost a truly one-of-a-kind gentleman, and our daughters have lost an incredible father far too soon.” Steven was described having many talents and played competative Australian Rules Football for Kingsley Football Club.
His club later paid tribute to him and described Steven as a “much loved friend to many within our club community.” Their statement added: “Mattas was one of the most genuine people you could meet.
“He had a smile and presence that could light up a room, and he will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time, especially his wife Shirene and their two young daughters.”
Sergeant Michael Wear, an officer in charge of the investigation at Rottnest Island, said: “His friends have actually witnessed the horrific event. The friends of the victim retrieved his body from the water, they gave him CPR on the way back in and came straight into the Geordie Bay jetty.”
Surf Life Saving WA said a 16ft great white shark had been spotted at about 10 am on Saturday around the time of the attack. An investigation into the death has been launched.
Rottnest Island is a popular tourist destination in Western Australia. Steven’s death is the first fatal shark attack in the state since March last year.
There have been an estimated 1,300 shark attacks in Australia that have been recorded since 1791. Some 260 of those have since resulted in death.
