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San Onofre shark attack victim in 'fair condition' following surgeries

Posted at 3:20 PM, May 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-10 18:20:14-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A woman attacked by a shark at San Onofre State Beach last month is said to be doing better.

Leeanne Ericson, 35, was attacked by a shark bit on April 29. The shark grabbed a large portion of the back of her right leg and dragged her under the water. A witness was able to help save Ericson by tying her leg off with a surfboard leash.

Wednesday, after multiple surgeries, Scripps Health told 10News that she is in "fair condition"  at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, after doing "remarkably well" last week.

"She will have a long recovery, but she is doing remarkably well (considering) her injuries," trauma surgeon Gail Tominaga told reporters in a news conference on May 5.

ORIGINAL STORY: Beach closed after shark attacks woman off Camp Pendleton beach

Ericson has already undergone two operations to clean up her wounds and control bleeding, Tominaga said. She will have "a few more," including a nerve graft.

A GoFundMe campaign set up to help Ericson with her medical expenses has already raised nearly $80,000 in the last 10 days.

Donors continue to leave well wishes on the fundraising page. 

RELATED: Shark 'displaying aggressive behavior' prompts warning at San Onofre State Beach

Wednesday, San Onofre beach officials issued a 48-hour warning after reports of a shark seen in the same area acting aggressively in the same area Ericson was attacked.