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NATIONAL NEWS AND VIDEO - In a remarkable display of courage and resilience, seven-year-old Johandré Blom is recovering at home after surviving a horrific crocodile attack near Brits in March that claimed his left arm.
Little Johandré fought for his life in the ICU after a crocodile attacked him while he was playing in shallow water with a friend, ripping off his arm.
He was on holiday with his family at the Emanzini Fishing Resort at Roodekopjes Dam at the time.
Dad saved boy from crocodile
The boys were only a few metres away from where their fathers were fishing when a massive crocodile lunged and grabbed Johandré.
His friend Dylan screamed and tried to pull him back, while Johandré’s father, Corné, immediately leapt into the water to save him.
After being spun around by the crocodile, Corné managed to pull Johandré free, but his left arm had been torn off.
The family rushed him to Brits, where he was stabilized before being airlifted to a hospital in Alberton.
Also read: Boy’s (7) arm ripped off by crocodile near Brits
Overwhelming medical expenses
He was placed in an induced coma and remained stable, although doctors closely monitored his condition.
His family urgently sought support as he faced a long and difficult road to recovery.
According to family friend Juan van der Merwe, who started the Back a Buddy fund, Johandré still faced a long journey of care and rehabilitation, with overwhelming medical expenses.
“All funds raised will be used to pay the hospital fees and future medical bills,” he said.
Thanks to an outpouring of support, the family has already managed to raise almost half a million rand towards Johandré’s recovery.
In a video, Johandré shared the good news of his recovery at home and thanked everyone for their support.
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