Young Policeman Blinded in One Eye After Being Shot TWICE in Bondi Beach Terror Attack Revealed in Heartwarming First Photo Since Leaving Hospital
- Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, 22, shot in the head and shoulder while responding to Chanukah by the Sea event on December 14
- Left in critical condition, underwent multiple surgeries, and lost vision in one eye
- NSW Police Association launches fundraising appeal, which has raised over $620,000 to support his recovery
- Constable Hibbert discharged from hospital and recovering at home with family, who describe it as a ‘miracle’
In a heartwarming first photo since being released from hospital, young policeman Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert has been pictured smiling at home with high-profile visitors, including Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco and businessman Mark Bouris.
The 22-year-old was shot twice while responding to the Bondi Beach terror attack on December 14, leaving him in a critical condition and undergoing multiple surgeries. Despite his ordeal, Constable Hibbert appeared relaxed in a white T-shirt and black shorts as he was gifted a Redcliffe Dolphins jersey signed by the Queensland-based rugby league team.
‘It’s Christmas come early! A massive Dolphins fan, Jack was presented with a special jersey,’ read the Facebook post by the NSW Police Association. The photo was flooded with supportive comments from the public, with many expressing their admiration for the young officer’s bravery.
Constable Hibbert’s family confirmed on Tuesday that he had been discharged from hospital and was recovering at home ahead of Christmas, describing it as a ‘miracle’. ‘As a family, we couldn’t ask for anything more – having our Jack home, especially for Christmas, truly feels like a miracle,’ they said in a statement.
The family also expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support and well wishes from the community, Constable Hibbert’s colleagues, and the emergency services. ‘The care and dedication shown by the medical staff has been nothing short of exceptional,’ they added.
The NSW Police Association has launched a fundraising appeal to support Constable Hibbert’s recovery, which has raised over $620,000 as of Christmas morning. The appeal aims to raise $25,000 to help the officer ‘move forward with the many challenges he now has ahead of him’.
Meanwhile, the family of Police Constable Scott Dyson, who was also shot in the attack, revealed that he had woken from a medically induced coma nine days after the incident. ‘It’s a positive sign, but there is still a long way to go in his recovery,’ they said in a statement. Loved ones say he has undergone surgeries ‘almost daily’.
As of Christmas Day, 11 victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack were still in hospital, NSW Health said on Thursday morning. One patient is in a stable condition at Prince of Wales Hospital, while others are being treated at St George Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and Royal North Shore Hospital.