Rottnest shark attack victim remembered as ‘charismatic, loyal, funny’

The family and friends of a man killed after he was bitten on the legs by a 4-metre great white shark have come together to honour his memory.

Steve Mattaboni, 38, was spear fishing with a group of friends off the shore of Rottnest Island a week ago when tragedy struck.

He was hauled into a boat and raced to shore where emergency crews fought to save his life but his injuries were too severe.

On Friday, almost a week on from his death, his long-time friend Liam Thomas spoke publicly about the man they all called Mattas.

“Steve had two great loves,” Thomas said.

“His first great love was the ocean. He was a really talented fisherman.

“His second love, and his greatest love, was his family. He was just so proud of his two beautiful daughters.”

Mattaboni was a father of two, with his youngest girl born in January this year. His partner Shirene posted to social media on Sunday thanking everyone for their well-wishes and messages.

She later issued a statement saying their hearts are “irrevocably broken by the loss”.

“Steve really was the type of person who would give the shirt off his back. He was charismatic, loyal, funny, hardworking and just had so many wonderful qualities that just made him so loved by so many,” Thomas said on Friday.

“He was just so proud of his two beautiful daughters. Everything he did and worked for was for them.”

A fundraising page has raised almost $400,000, one anonymous donor gifting $100,000 alone.

His loved ones said it was important to remember his life not by how it was taken, but rather by how it was lived.

“Steve would absolutely want us to continue enjoying the ocean the way that he did,” Thomas said.

’But also encouraging his beautiful girls to enjoy the ocean like he did as well.

“We’ll continue to remember Steve in Rottnest. That place will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

With 9 News Perth.