Jade Kahukore-Dixon, 24, was diving 500 miles east of New Zealand’s South Island when the attack happened.

A man has died after being attacked by a shark near New Zealand’s Chatham Islands.

Conformable Stuffthe incident happened on the morning of Tuesday, November 19 (local time), when 24-year-old Jade Kahukore-Dixon was diving 800 km (500 miles) east of New Zealand’s South Island.

The outlet reported that his father, Jacky Dixon, was told he was killed by a great white shark.

Police also confirmed in a statement that the commercial diver was rushed to Chatham Island Health Centre, where he later died.

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“A man has died in hospital after being attacked by a shark,” police said in a statement statement. “Emergency services were called at around midday following reports that the man – who had plunged from a boat – was seriously injured.”

They added: “He was rushed to Chatham Island Hospital but has since died. Police thoughts are with his family. The death will be referred to the coroner.”

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Jade was the sole director and shareholder of Nomad Diving Limited, which was incorporated in June 2023.

Speaking about his son, Jacky told Stuff that Jade was a “really tough guy” who “loved fishing and diving” from a young age.

“He would do anything to protect his family. He was an amazing boy, a much-loved member of the family,” the father said.

Jacky added that Jade was not afraid of great white sharks and often saw them in the sea.

“He thought he was one with the ocean,” he said, adding that when his son saw them, he would hold his breath, hide behind rocks and sneak back to the boat before the shark saw them.

Jade also almost lost her life four years ago when her foot got caught under a rock.

After the diver stayed underwater for too long, his friend jumped into the sea to free his leg and pull him out of the water.

“He’s a local boy. It is well known, appreciated and this will be quite devastating to our commercial divers. It’s the biggest risk – the biggest fear,” Chatham Islands Mayor Monique Croon told reporters. “The community will be in total shock.”