Greg O’Neill Death: 63-Year-Old Identified After Sorrento Beach Shark Attack

The Western Australian community is mourning the death of Greg James O’Neill, 63, who was fatally attacked by a shark while swimming at Sorrento Beach in Perth’s northern suburbs. His sudden death has left his family, friends and members of the local community grieving the loss of a man remembered as a devoted family member and passionate lover of the ocean.

The fatal incident occurred on the morning of Friday, September 18, 2026, when O’Neill was swimming close to the shoreline at Sorrento Beach. Emergency services received reports of the shark attack at approximately 10:15 a.m., and Western Australia Police later confirmed that the male swimmer had died from injuries sustained in the attack.

Witnesses reported seeing blood in the water after the attack. O’Neill had reportedly been swimming with a friend, who managed to return to shore. Police, water police, helicopters and other emergency personnel were involved in the response and subsequent search operation.

Authorities believed a large great white shark was responsible. A shark measuring about 2.5 metres had been reported in the area before the attack, while later information suggested the suspected shark may have been considerably larger. The exact size was not immediately established.

Following the tragedy, beaches along almost 12 kilometres of Perth’s northern coastline were closed as authorities searched the area and assessed the danger to swimmers. Western Australian Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis also issued a rare catch-and-kill order for the shark believed to have been involved.

O’Neill’s family remembered him as a loving father, grandfather-to-be, husband, brother, uncle and friend. In a statement shared after his death, they described him as a generous and devoted family man who gave his children love, care and opportunity.

They also remembered Greg as someone who loved the ocean and was passionate about swimming and sport. He was described as a dedicated worker with a generous and witty personality, qualities that made him deeply loved by those around him.

His death has brought profound sadness to those who knew him and to the wider Sorrento community. Floral tributes were later placed at the beach as residents and visitors reflected on the tragedy.

As his family continues to grieve, Greg O’Neill’s life will be remembered through the people he loved, the relationships he built and his enduring passion for the ocean and swimming.