No, this isn't Jaws, but a very large fish can definitely cause very serious injuries and even death.
Jaylon Rippy, 5, succumbed to critical injuries when a very large sturgeon collided with their boat and eventually struck her. She, along with the rest of her family including her brother Trevor and mom Tanya, were spending a holiday, exploring the Suwanee River, when the tragedy happened.
According to the wildlife officials of Florida, this is the first recorded death due to a sturgeon strike. However, the fish has been causing a lot of harm for those who visit the river.
A couple needed to be taken to the emergency on Friday, July 3, when they were struck in Santa Fe River. There have also been other cases reported through the years.
The sturgeon is definitely not a flimsy fish as it can grow very big. Its weight can reach more than 80 kg and its length can be as much as 2.4 meters. Further, the back contains hard plates.
These fish can cause injuries once they leap out of the waters. While it may seem they're attacking people, the truth is they aren't. However, the experts also aren't sure why it's doing it in the first place. Moreover, it seems as if the lower the water levels are, the higher the jumps they make, making them a sure threat to boaters they can come in contact with.
The mother and son are currently in Gainsville Hospital, recuperating. Meanwhile, loved ones have already set up a GoFundMe account to cover the cost of treatment, especially since Tanya isn't covered by any insurance. She has already suffered from broken tooth and eye socket and thus may require reconstructive surgery on the face. Trevor, meanwhile, acquired a broken bone and lost some of his teeth. A portion of the funds will also go to funeral costs.
