Exactly three years to the day that a BYU–Hawaii alumnus was attacked by a shark, Davey Crippen, a sophomore majoring in elementary education from Elk Ridge, Utah, was also bit.
Crippen explained he was sitting next to his little brother, with his feet hanging off the dock at Moli‘i fishponds on Sept. 8, 2021 when he noticed splashing about 15 feet away and saw a small shark. At 10 yards away, Crippen said he saw a dorsal fin and tail swimming in a circle really fast.
When he saw this, he said he felt prompted by the Spirit to take his feet out of the water. Crippen explained he was preoccupied with his brother and did not think the unlikely would happen. “I didn’t pay attention to that prompting,” he stated.
Just then, Crippen said there was a big splash right where he was, and the shark bit his foot. Adrenaline pumping, Crippen said he jumped up, but still got a good look at the white-tip reef shark that was just under 4 feet long. “It felt like rocks going into my feet,” explained Crippen.
While en route to Kahuku Medical Center, Crippen said his younger brother Spencer, a newly ordained elder, administered his first priesthood blessing with the assistance of their grandfather.
Former basketball player and alumnus Juliun Perkins from Kailua, Hawaii, said he had a run-in with a 12-foot tiger shark on Sept. 8, 2018. “I remember the shark’s eyes rolled back in its head as it thrashed back and forth. It was definitely in attack mode,” he said.
In Perkins’s case, he was bit on his arm while surfing at Pounder’s Beach early in the morning, he explained. “As I was paddling away from the shark, a wave crashed on me, and I lost my board,” he shared. “Thinking I was going to die, I said the biggest prayer of my life.”
Perkins said he saw six surfers swimming towards him, out of nowhere, one a professional surfer and another an off-duty lifeguard. “If it wasn’t for those people, there is no way [I would have survived],” he said.
Perkins said he is still surfing, playing basketball and can type on a computer, but it’s been a long road. He explained his bite is 15 inches long, and the shark bit below his elbow and by his wrist.
Crippen said he is now walking just fine. He explained within a week of the attack, he resumed all his regular activities, including surfing.
“I find so much joy, peace and fulfillment in the ocean and could never give up the desire I have of surfing and being in the water,” said Crippen.
Despite his traumatic shark attack, Perkins shared his understanding and respect for the animal. “Sharks are not vicious creatures,” he said. “[It’s] important to recognize [the ocean] is their home. We are entering their territory. … If they knew what you tasted like before biting you, they would not bite you.”
Perkins offered a word of caution and advice when going surfing. “Be aware. Be cautious,” he said. “[It’s] always best to go out with a friend, not only for sharks but also there are tons of things that can happen. … It doesn’t matter how experienced you are.”
Crippen also expressed caution and advice about being in the ocean. “Take caution, but please do not be afraid of sharks,” he said. “They’re amazing creatures that play an essential role in maintaining healthy and flourishing ecosystems here in Hawaii.” •