According to New York Times, Stella was riding jet skis with friends when she jumped into the water to swim with dolphins and was attacked.
Police report, in a statement, said her parents were “devastated and deeply shocked”.
Matt and Sophie Berry said their daughter was a “vibrant and happy girl” who loved the water and art.
“She was a caring person and was a dear friend to many… a beautiful and loving big sister and the best daughter we could have hoped for.”
One of her friends, Lara Connolly, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that Stella was the “sweetest and smartest girl that I knew”.
“She was so kind,” Lara said.
Authorities are investigating what type of shark was involved, but the Western Australia Fisheries Minister has said it was “likely” a bull shark.
The government will consider what could be done to prevent any similar incidents, Don Punch said
“Shark barriers is something we’re always open to talking to local government about.”
Fisheries experts say it is unusual to find sharks in that part of the Swan River, and the attack was the first fatal one along the river in 100 years
Livia Muhlheim, 25, and Lukas Schindler, 26, both of Switzerland, were filming a pod of dolphins with a GoPro at Kylies Beach in New South Wales when a three-meter bull shark attacked them.
The incident happened early in the morning, at around 6:30 am. The bull shark struck Muhlheim first, biting her several times, severing her left arm, and injuring her leg. Schindler, a qualified diving instructor, tried to fight off the shark, but it bit him twice on his right leg, causing severe injuries
Schindler managed to drag Muhlheim 50m to the shore and called emergency services. A bystander provided initial first aid, including making a tourniquet from her swimsuit. Emergency services arrived promptly, but despite their efforts, the woman died of her injuries at the scene. Schindler was airlifted to a hospital in serious but stable condition and remains under treatment.
Livia Muhlheim was a financial professional, a runner, and a former competitive synchronized swimmer. She and Schindler had been traveling extensively in Australia, and Schindler had recently taken part in the Sydney Marathon.
Drones patrolled the waters, and authorities used SMART drumlines — a kind of bait rig to catch sharks — but no further sightings have been reported. Police are reviewing the GoPro footage taken before the attack for clues. According to media outlets, it was the fifth fatal shark bite in Australia this year.
Bull shark
The bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) is considered one of the three shark species most dangerous to humans (along with great whites and tiger sharks). It is highly territorial and frequently inhabits the same murky, shallow coastal areas where humans swim.
Bull sharks use the classic “bump-and bite” investigative technique and rely heavily on smell rather than eyesight. It reacts aggressively when it perceives any intrusion, competition, or anything that splashes or bleeds.
