10-year-old American boy survives shark attack in Cancun

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A 10-year-old boy from Colorado is hospitalized after he was viciously attacked by a shark while on vacation in Mexico earlier this month, his family said.

Dillon Armijo was with his family at a beach in Cancún on March 17 when a shark bit him on the leg, he told Denver7.

“We went to the beach and wanted to swim or jump in waves and then like, five minutes after that, like a shark just came into like, a wave and just bit my leg,” he said of the harrowing encounter.

Dillon was rescued from the water by a lifeguard, his mother, and his older brother, the outlet reported.

He subsequently spent four days in the hospital in Mexico before being airlifted to Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora.

Dillon being loaded onto the medical plane.
Dillon was eventually flown from Mexico to Aurora, Colorado.
Dillon Armijo on the beach.
Dillon Armijo is expected to make a full recovery.

Dillon has undergone several surgeries, but is expected to make a full recovery.

“We were very, very lucky that we were able to get a medevac back to the United States and get him here to do the last three surgeries,” his mom, Abby, told Denver7.

“I think that was what has given him such a great outcome is being back here at home with some fantastic doctors.”

Dillon with his mom, Abby, at the hospital.
Dillon and his mom, Abby, are grateful for the support.
Dillon with his family on the medical plane.
Dillon has undergone several surgeries.

Dillon will soon be discharged from the hospital and will relearn to walk with a lengthy physical therapy regimen.

“[Dillon has] done fantastic, considering all that he’s been through,” the proud mom said.

The family has started a GoFundMe to help pay for unexpected medical bills.

As of Thursday morning, it had raised over $17,800 of its $20,000 USD goal.

Dillon with his brother and mother.
Dillon and his family before the attack.
Dillon in a pool with a dolphin.
Dillon’s dream vacation was interrupted by the shark attack.

“It’s nice to know that there are so many people here to help us out,” Abby added.

Source: Univisión

The Cancun Post