The loss of nearly all his blood harmed virtually every organ in his body. He told reporters that there had been no more shark attacks than usual. To order Lisa Marie Presley's net worth: Losses, lawsuits and Graceland He was also an idea person who won more than 50 awards from Ford for increasing efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace. Only Jessie's pale face was visible beneath a blue plastic tarp that shielded him from rain as ambulance personnel took him through his front door. It began earlier in July when a bull shark bit off the arm of an 8-year-old boy. July 9, 2002 -- It has been one year since Jesse Arbogast, then 8, was mauled by a shark, and the uncle who rescued him is still haunted by the attack. Arrangements are being made by McCulla Funeral Home. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Jessie, a member of the "Greatest Generation," was a proud veteran who served in the Fifth. Now, after years of guarding the family's privacy, she thinks it's time to let the world see Jessie. "It has been a bittersweet homecoming because, although we are very happy at the progress Jessie has made, we do not yet know how fully he will recover," the Flosenziers wrote. His wife said neither of them thought much about placing themselves in harm's way. I just couldn't really believe that such a terrible thing was happening.". Toronto Star articles, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com, Aug. 28, 2001: Beachgoers in Florida walk past a warning sign prompted by a rash of shark attacks some fatal along the U.S. coastline. The couple credits bystanders, an off-duty paramedic, and a swift air ambulance team with saving Jessie, who had lost 30 units of blood. Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "I realized,I know what to do, I've got to breathe for him, there's nothing else to do. MMI The Associated Press. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Jessie Arbogast survived after his arm was reattached in an 11-hour surgery, but he suffered permanent brain damage.In Virginia, a 10-year-old boy was killed while surfing with his family. "Jessie is speaking clearer words but no sentences," said his aunt, Diana Flosenzier of Hattiesburg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 74 years, Virgie Mae Horner Arbogast, in 2016; his youngest son, James David Arbogast, in 2003; and his great-grandson, Tyler Keenan Ritson, in 2002. "He takes it all in," Claire said. In 2001 it was a bull shark that infamously attacked 8-year-old Jessie Arbogast at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Santa Rosa County and bit off his right arm. He continues to undergo physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Our son Ryan was the same age when he sufferred the same time of brain injury. He is now 16 with a mustache and lively blue eyes. Drawer 609Ocean Springs, MS 39566. "We also wish to thank the many people at the beach whose quick thinking and actions helped to save Jessie," the family said in its statement. "It appears he has suffered some brain injury because of the massive blood loss incurred during the shark attack," Livingston said. Jessie was a faithful member of Methodist churches for his entire life. Earlier this month, a New York man celebrating his wedding anniversary in the Bahamas had part of his left leg amputated after being attacked by a shark. July 11, 2001 -- While doctors and family maintain a bedside vigil for Jessie Arbogast, the 8-year-old shark attack victim, scientists are amazed at the circumstances surrounding the . His body still has bite marks - imprints of the shark's teeth. 39566. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. "When he survived the first night, I knew he was going to make it," Diana Flosenzier said. His uncle, Vance Flosenzier, rushed into the water. "We were getting ready to go to supper, and about to gather them out of the water when I heard my son yell 'shark!' This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, OCEAN SPRINGS - Jessie Arbogast has come a long way in the eight years since a shark attack in Florida left him bedridden with a feeding tube. 4 AF & AM Lodges in Morgantown. As it turned out, the number of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide dropped to 76 in 2001, down from 85 in 2000. Seems like the family was from somewhere around Biloxi. He has ougrown his chair. It was truly the kind of story that they turn into movies. ", From the Pensacola News Journal: "Jessie Arbogast's eyes and movements are full of meaning. It may be a year before we know.". Surgeons were able to reattach the arm, but Jesse still had a very long road to recovery ahead. The Flosenziers credit bystanders, an off-duty paramedic, and a swift air ambulance team with saving Jesse, who had lost 30 units of blood. "At this point, they are seeking medical direction about future treatment and therapy," said Flosenzier. July 9, 2002 -- It has been one year since Jesse Arbogast, then 8, was mauled by a shark, and the uncle who rescued him is still haunted by the attack. However, the 11-year-old is still in a wheelchair and lacks the ability to communicate. ", He now eats the same meals as the rest of the family (two brothers and a sister). "I realized, 'I know what to do, I've got to breathe for him, there's nothing else to do.' Jessie Arbogast Shark Victim Date Of Birth: c. 1993 Place Of Birth: Ocean Springs, Mississippi Best Known As: The boy whose arm was bitten off by a shark 8-year-old Jessie Arbogast was swimming in the ocean near Pensacola, Florida on 6 July 2001 when a 200-pound bull shark bit off his right arm. . The sharks co-operated by offering up a few particularly gruesome attacks. . He chuckles at jokes, hollers in greeting and sometimes tugs - mischievously - at his sister's hair. Signs saying "Welcome Home Jessie" and yellow ribbons heralded his return. We do allow cookies to help our advertising partners give you a better ad experience. The shark stories absolutely halted.. Seems like the family was from somewhere around Biloxi. Shark attack victim's family clings to dream of recovery. After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Jessie's story faded from the limelight. He and his wife were getting ready to call their own children and their niece and nephew to the shore for supper. The aunt and uncle of shark attack victim Jessie Arbogast described the 8-year-old's homecoming as "bittersweet." The relatives expressed thanks to others who came to the aid of their nephew,. When Bishop Thomas J. Rodi of Biloxi, Miss., visited Jessie Arbogast in the hospital July 14, he blessed the 8-year-old with a relic of Blessed Francis Xavier. A Presidential Scholar and National Merit Scholar at USC, she developed her own three-part major as an undergraduate: biology, exercise physiology and journalism. The boy's kidneys have since improved and he no longer needs dialysis. They said his wounds were healing well but it also would take time to determine how much use he would have of his injured arm and leg. Young whale of endangered species "likely to die" after entanglement "As I was doing CPR, I could see Vance coming out of the water with the shark, holding it up, and all I could think was 'Good, he didn't let it go,' because I knew the girls were still out there," Diana Flosenzier said. Then, attention turned to Jesse's severed arm. Emotional children greeted the 8-year-old boy as he arrived in an. On July 6, 2002, 8-year-old Jessie Arbogast was playing with his sister and cousins in shallow water in Pensacola, Florida. His aunt and uncle are cautiously optimistic, but realize that recovery won't be easy. "Hundreds of people have donated blood. The boy's arm had been severed and he was bleeding profusely. I didnt get another call from the media until the end of December, he says. Private graveside services will be conducted by the Rev. As a helicopter airlifted Jessie to hospital, a park service ranger pulled the boys arm from the sharks mouth, packed it on ice and sent it after the medical team. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. His sister and the other girls had ventured out much farther, but Jessie, 8, his brothers and some cousins stayed 15 ft. from shore, crouched in the shallow surf. All rights reserved. P.W. All rights reserved. "They said it was just over seven feet. Arbogast's uncle pulled the 7 . Hospital officials said he will continue outpatient. Jesse's uncle jumped into the sea and dragged the boy to shore. ", The Arbogast family issued a statement thanking people in Pensacola and around the world for their support and prayers and especially thanking the crew of the Baptist Flight helicopter that came to Jessie's aid on the beach "for making the hard choice.". Family members have declined interview requests and in the statement urged the news media to respect their privacy. They praised the calm and professionalism of National Park Service rangers, quick action by a BaptistFlight helicopter crew and the skill of medical personnel at the two hospitals. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. After the ranger pried the shark's jaw open with a police baton, a volunteer firefighter used a clamp to pull the boy's severed arm out of its gullet. He can communicate, and he can move his uninjured arm with purpose to pick up objects, not real well, but he can do that. The scars haven't gone away, either. to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about Update on Jessie Arbogast: From Sacred Heart Health System: "Jessie's family says he continues to make slow progress in his rehabilitation from a brain injury and other injuries suffered in the shark attack. : The Jessie David Arbogast Medical FundAccount number: 012428229c/o Hancock BankP.O. expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto The national and international press arrived in Florida in great numbers and proceeded to rent every helicopter and small plane that could fly, Burgess recalls. Jessie, a member of the "Greatest Generation," was a. Jessie Arbogast has come a long way in the eight years since a shark attack in Florida left him bedridden with a feeding tube. "It's a full time job, caring for Jessie. To save two crucial minutes of flying time, the crew took Jessie to Baptist Hospital, where he was revived and his arm reattached, instead of Sacred Heart, which has a pediatric intensive care unit. Vance Flosenzier, the uncle, spoke to ABCNEWS' Good Morning America, describing publicly for the first time how he rescued his nephew just over one year ago on an ocean beach near Pensacola, Fla. }, First published on August 13, 2001 / 9:35 AM. "There is certainly potential for further recovery, but we just don't know how long that may take or how far he can progress. "I heard a scream andI turned to the water andI saw a pool of bloodwhere the three boys were.". He sits up in his wheelchair and participates in his life. Market data provided by Factset. Children laughed and cried with joy Sunday in Ocean Springs, Miss., as an ambulance containing the boy still in a light coma arrived at the family home after a two-hour drive from Sacred Heart Children's Hospital in Pensacola. They are praying for his full recovery. Family members are still hopeful of some reasonable recovery and feel his reception is OK but vocal expression is difficult. ", Aunt & Uncle Of Jessie Arbogast Speak Out On Good Morning America, One dead, one in critical condition after Biloxi shooting, Margaritaville officials hold job fair to fill in positions for Paradise Pier, Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley report to prison, Woman accused of stabbing boyfriend for urinating in their bed after a night of drinking, South Mississippi Mental Health Resources. } He was born on Dec. 12, 1921, in Circleville, the seventh child of the late Fannie Lillian Nicholas Arbogast and the Rev. ABCNEWS' Erin Hayes reported this story for Good Morning America. But Jessiestill had a very long road to recovery ahead. Actually, a few updates, from 2003 to 2009, Snopes explains a viral email that was a by-product of the event, The boy whose arm was bitten off by a shark, Princess Stephanie of Monaco frowns a bit, Gina Lollobrigida dressed as a gypsy, a peasant, or both. He smiles, they say, each time they come to the door. Eight-year-old Jessie Arbogast was playing on the shores of Florida's Santa Rosa Island with his family in 2001 when a bull shark attacked. 3 TCU To Win Back-To-Back National Championships, Report: Texas A&M Hiring Bobby Petrino As Aggies New Offensive Coordinator, Watching Bojana Jovanovic's Tennis Serve Is Beautiful, Bob Stoops Predicts When Nick Saban Will Retire, Former LSU CB Damarius McGhee Announces Transfer Destination. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. " Flosenzier said. "He can communicate, and he can move his uninjured arm with purpose to pick up objects not real well, but he can do that. Those caveats made it into some stories, but it didnt stop the frenzy. It requires hours of therapy, with Jesse learning to walk again, and hoping to talk again. The boy is still in a light coma and doctors said only time will tell how extensive his brain injury has become. Vance and Diana Flosenzierlive an hour from Jessie and his family, and they visit them each week. Cautious because while each day offers hope, it also brings the reality that is recovery - hours of therapy, learning to walk again, hoping to talk again. All rights reserved. . In Virginia, a 10-year-old boy was killed while surfing with his family.. The Ocean Springs, Miss., boy was freed after the arm was bitten off. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Find your friends on Facebook. display: block; Vance and Diana Flosenzier raced toward the shoreline, where the children had been wading in shallow ocean surf. View the profiles of people named Jessi Arbogast. Jessie W. Arbogast, 99, passed away Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, at Madison Rehab Center. "There are no words or ways to express our thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at both Baptist Hospital and Sacred Heart Children's Hospital, except to say we are eternally grateful.". "Although he's not fully recovered, I feel that it's nothing short of a miracle that he has come this far and been able to actually survive," said Dr. Tim Livingston, a pediatric neurologist at Sacred Heart. Natalie reached out to Jamie Summerlin with Operation Welcome Home to help put together a parade for Arbogast. MHV8-3JK : 19 December 2020), Jesse Arbogast, Pleasant Township, Wabash, Indiana, United . "I couldn't believe what was happening," Vance Flosenzier said. "There's not been any question in my mind, that he was going to be OK. That remains to be seen, I mean the story's not over for us, but I guess I still feel that way.". "We also wish to thank the many people at the beach whose quick thinking and actions helped to save Jessie," the family said in its statement. Burgess, a scientist who has devoted his life to shark research, fielded 30 to 50 calls from reporters every day that summer. "Jessie is eating well and growing like a weed. "One new activity provides Jessie some opportunity to maneuver," she said. The prognosis for his long-term recovery is uncertain. "You just had to do," she said. It may be a year before we know.". "We're cautiously optimistic," Diana said. Jessie Warden Arbogast, 99, of Morgantown, passed away on February 11, 2021. But even with the strength and resilience of youth, and 1 years of expert medical attention and unwavering family devotion, the 10-year-old is nowhere near the happy, agile youngster mauled by a shark in July 2001 at Pensacola Beach.". Doctors believe being at home may help his recovery. Arbogast. That morning, Burgess arrived at work and did four or five interviews before the first plane hit the World Trade Center and his phone stopped ringing. His was in the shallow water with his cousin while their parents lounged on the beachuntil they heard Jessie scream. Signs saying "Welcome Home Jessie" and yellow ribbons heralded his return. I believe he had his arm reattached but with the blood loss and trauma I don't think he was ever the same. His caretakers Natalie and Donna wanted to do something special to celebrate his 99th. They thanked a man who caught Jessie when he was freed from the shark's jaws and another who helped them with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. He is now 16 with a mustache and lively blue . "David places him on a blown-up mattress. SoI laid him down and started doing rescue breathing.". . Arbogast, who is 8, was playing in shallow water at about dusk when the hungry shark bit deeply into his thigh and bit off his arm. MORGANTOWN, W.Va (WDTV) - The Morgantown community came together to celebrate Jesse Arbogasts 99th birthday. "I told them it was in the shark and they turned the shark over on its side and stuck a retractable baton into its mouth and pried it open and they could see it was still lodged in its throat," Vance said. For more than10 minutes, she and others would keep upCPR while Vance struggled to pull the shark away from children still in the water. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Market data provided by Factset. He is survived by his four children and spouses: his daughters, Jeanne Grimm and husband Harper G. Grimm Jr., of Morgantown, Judy Harris and husband David K. Harris, of Houston, and his sons, Robert W. Arbogast, of Mannington, and Richard L. Arbogast and wife Debra, of Bradenton, Fla. The Arbogast family issued a statement thanking people in Pensacola and around the world for their support and prayers and especially thanking the crew of the Baptist Flight helicopter that came to Jessie's aid on the beach "for making the hard choice.". #inline-recirc-item--id-92536002-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-92536002-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { "We would get mail addressed to 'The Mississippi boy who got bit by a shark,' and the post office knew where to deliver it," his mother said. 8-year-old Jessie Arbogast was swimming in the ocean near Pensacola, Florida on 6 July 2001 when a 200-pound bull shark bit off his right arm. UPDATE JUNE 27, 2009: From the Pensacola News-Journal: OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The boy's right arm was ripped off by a 6-foot long bull shark while he was wading in knee-deep water off Langdon Beach in the Gulf Islands National Seashore on July 6. The shark also tore a large. Jessie was transferred two days later. Arbogast is one of the few veterans. 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Vance and Diana Flosenzier, Jessie's aunt and uncle, were about to call the children in for dinner when one of them shouted "Shark!" Vance and Diana ran to the beach and saw a cloud of blood in the water. I think they cared.". rights reserved. Market data provided by Factset. Jessie's uncle wrestled the shark to shore after the attack and a ranger shot the shark four times with a 9 mm pistol. Surgeons later reattached the boy's arm. Arbogast's uncle, Vance Flosenzier, wrestled the shark out of the water; a park ranger shot the shark and Arbogast's arm was pulled from the shark's gullet. Rob Patterson, a pediatric intensive care specialist. Thousands of people have prayed and continue to pray. He would be 28 now. To order copies of "When he survived the first night,I knew he was going to make it," Diana said. Rob Patterson, a pediatric intensive care specialist. "It's been difficult for all of them, there's no doubt about that. 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Illinois woman's remains found over 5 years after she disappeared Patterson said Jessie responds by opening his eyes and appearing to gain a higher level of alertness, but he added "there's no purposeful communication.". Published: Dec. 12, 2020 at 5:57 PM PST MORGANTOWN, W.Va (WDTV) - The Morgantown community came together to celebrate Jesse Arbogast's 99th birthday. Emotional children greeted the 8-year-old boy as he arrived in an ambulance at his home in Ocean Springs, Miss. Jessie was the last surviving member of his immediate family and was also preceded in death by his brother and spouse, William Merle and Evelyn Growall Arbogast; and his six sisters and spouses: Myrtle Burkhammer, Elizabeth and husband Charles Francis Burke, Ruth and husband John William Renshaw, Lucille and husband Paul Huff, Virginia and husband John Lopuch and Jessies youngest sister, Anna Lee and husband Hermit G. Floyd. "They could see it was still lodged in its throat.". One man's leg was amputated, and another man suffered a serious leg injury. Arbogast was released from the hospital on 12 August 2001 and readmitted for brief stays later in the year. "We were getting ready to go to supper and about to gather them out of the water whenI heard my son yell 'shark,'" says Vance Flosenzier, the uncle of Jessie Arbogast. I believe he had his arm reattached but with the blood loss and trauma I don't think he was ever the same. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Jessie, a member of the Greatest Generation, was a proud veteran who served in the Fifth Marine Division during World War II and participated in the amphibious assault on Iwo Jima. The aunt and uncle live an hour from Jesse and his family's home in Ocean Springs, Miss, and they visit him each week. Last year, there were 79 shark attacks worldwide, 51 of them in the United States and 34 in Florida. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Laura Harris, of San Diego, Geoffrey G. Grimm and wife Andrea, of Lexington, Ky., Jennifer Harris Ritson and husband Martin Ritson, of Houston, Sarah Grimm Harris, of San Diego, Matthew Harris, of Houston, Bryan Arbogast and wife Mary, of Brunswick, Ohio; Heather Arbogast, of San Diego, and Stacy Arbogast, of North Ridgeville, Ohio. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Lauren and Piper Ritson, of Houston, Texas, Andrew, Noah Anthony and Jacob Grimm, of Lexington, Ky., Daniel Harris, of Houston, Jessica and Samantha Harris, of San Diego, Isabella Arbogast, of San Diego, and Leighton Arbogast, of North Ridgeville, Ohio; and three step-great-grandchildren, Michael Pizzola, Cassidi Paige and Bryant Winkle. He stayed there until Aug. 12, when he was sent home, still in a light coma caused by the extreme blood loss. All rights reserved. That summer, the public appetite for shark stories was strong and the media delivered. Copyright 1998-2022 by Who2, LLC. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Doctors released Jessie from Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, where he was transferred after doctors at another facility reattached his arm. He also enjoys boat shows, cars and jets, especially the Blue Angels. Earlier this month, a New York man celebrating his wedding anniversary in the Bahamas had part of his left leg amputated after being attacked by a shark. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Still, the rescuers were in a state of shock. He was a steadfast and loyal person, who was married for more than 74 years to his love, Virgie. The uncle of Jessie Arbogast recalled a pool of blood and his nephew's screams in his account of a horrific July 6 shark attack in Pensacola, Florida, in a National Park Service report released . The boy's kidneys have since improved and he no longer needs dialysis. On the day of the attack, Jesse's relatives and bystanders thought fast. The shark also tore a large chunk of muscle from the boy's right thigh. She and her husband, David, have two other sons and a daughter, and there's also a large extended family.
