Bethany Hamilton’s Nephew Dies After Drowning Incident

Renowned professional surfer Bethany Hamilton is mourning a tragic loss within her family following the death of her three-year-old nephew, Andrew Hamilton, due to a drowning incident. Andrew, the son of Timothy and Kyah Hamilton, passed away on October 17, 2024, after being in a critical condition from a drowning accident a week earlier.

According to a message posted on Timothy Hamilton’s social media account, both parents expressed their grief and remembrance of Andrew. “Andrew Samuel Hamilton, born December 26th, 2020, entered his heavenly rest on Friday,” read the post, noting how advanced life-saving interventions were exhausted in attempts to save the boy.

The family is deeply grieving, with Timothy Hamilton mentioning the support they have received from their church community and particularly from their pastor, William Pierce of Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church. “It hurts terribly and we miss Andrew more than words can express,” Timothy shared, encouraging consolation in their faith.

Bethany Hamilton, known for overcoming a shark attack at the age of 13 which left her with one arm, paid her own respects to her nephew on her Instagram. “The Lord has received my sweet nephew Andrew into his beautiful care,” she wrote, expressing her family’s trust in faith and asking for prayers during this trying time.

The incident reportedly occurred on October 11, when Andrew was found unconscious in a bathtub at the family home. His hospitalization in Oahu, Hawaii, brought appeals from Bethany Hamilton for expert medical advice, highlighting the severity of his condition.

A fundraising page supporting the family detailed the boy’s medical condition after the accident, citing kidney damage, brain swelling, and the use of a ventilator. It also shared details of Andrew’s initial symptoms of fever and vomiting before the accident.

In a poignant tribute, Andrew’s uncle, Noah Hamilton, 42, shared his last moments with him, reflecting on a joyful surfing session they had just two days before the accident. “The only solo time I ever got to play with him,” Noah recounted in a Facebook post, cherishing those memories.

Bethany Hamilton had previously issued a public appeal for aid from medical experts via her Instagram, stating, “HELP!! My precious nephew was medevaced to Oahu this morning.” Despite these distressing developments, the family’s faith remains a cornerstone of their endurance as they navigate this tragic loss.

As the family mourns, expressions of support continue to pour in, with a fundraising page already receiving considerable donations, demonstrating the community’s compassion and solidarity with the grieving family.