Jessie Arbogast Biography

8-year-old Jessie Arbogast was swimming in the ocean near Pensacola, Florida on July 6, 2001 when a 200-pound bull shark bit off his right 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 animal’s gullet. Arbogast was airlifted to the hospital, and doctors reattached the arm during 11 hours of surgery. However, Arbogast’s doctor reported that “it appears he has suffered some brain injury because of the massive blood loss incurred during the shark attack.”

Arbogast was released from the hospital on August 12, 2001 and readmitted for brief stays later in the year. A 2004 article in the Pensacola News-Journal reported that Arbogast was using a wheelchair and had trouble communicating, but was “growing like a weed.” An update on his condition in 2009 indicated he was permanently disabled in the attack, but getting along fine with the help of his parents. A 2023 story in the Biloxi Sun Herald reported that Arbogast “now receives full-time care in an Ocean Springs home with three other special-needs adults. He spends weekends with the family.”