Victim with calf injury speaks out after SPI shark attack

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A North Texas woman who suffered severe injuries following a shark attack on South Padre Island is speaking out about the life-changing moment.

Tabatha Sullivent, a resident of Celina, Texas, is one of four people who fell victim to a shark in shallow waters on July 4.

What was supposed to be a celebration for her daughter's 15th birthday, turned into a nightmare.

Sullivent recalls the moment her family's vacation took a turn for the worse.

"All I saw was a something gray in the water, so I just kicked at it because I thought 'Oh my God, it's a huge fish,'" Sullivent said.

Sullivent continued to kick at the shark until it attacked, biting off a majority of her left calf.

According to a GoFundMe for Sullivent, she has movement in her toes and circulation in her foot, but believes she will not have full mobility after recovery.

As of July 7, Sullivent is expected to spend three days in a hyperbaric chamber and two days in surgery this week.

"We still have a long road ahead of us and there are many unknowns," Sullivent said on the GoFundMe page.

Sullivent's husband, Cary, also suffered two shark attack bites on his right leg while rescuing his wife.

Cary was discharged from the hospital shortly after the incident and remains by his wife's side as she recovers.

The two remaining victims were treated at the scene with minor injuries.

Texas Parks and Wildlife believe a bull shark species was responsible for all four shark attacks and encounters.