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Teenager's leg amputated after weekend shark attack

A 17-year-old who was attacked by a shark on the North Carolina coast says she had a leg amputated.
Credit: Ian Waldie, Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 25: The teeth and jaw of a Great White Shark are displayed after research into the biological mechanics of the predator July 25, 2007 in Sydney, Australia. Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) including Dan Huber from the the University of Tampa, Florida in the USA, plan to remove muscles from the head of several sharks in order to create a digital shark, to help determine it's bio mechanics and potential "bite force". (Photo by Ian Waldie/Getty Images)

NORTH CAROLINA, USA — ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C. (AP) - A 17-year-old who was attacked by a shark on the North Carolina coast last weekend says she had a leg amputated.

High school junior Paige Winter issued a statement on Monday through Vidant Medical Center in Greenville thanking people for helping her following the attack at Fort Macon State Park on Sunday.

Winter said while she has extensive injuries, including damage to her hands, "I will be okay." She is recovering at Vidant and said she will require more surgeries. She said she would continue to stay positive and thankful that it wasn't worse.

Describing the teen as "an unwavering advocate" for marine life, the hospital says Winter "wishes for people to continue to respect sharks in their environment and their safety."

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