Inquest hears tragic details of Kiwi surfer's death in WA shark attack
Steven Payne, 37, was attacked by a great white shark "between 3.2m and 3.5m in length" at Wharton Beach, east of Esperance in Western Australia on March 10.
Drone footage from a witness who happened to be filming at the time of the attack showed the shark swimming away from a large cloud of blood close to the shore.
Payne's body was never recovered, but parts of his wetsuit and "distinctive surf hat" were.
The Kiwi was living in Geelong, Victoria and his partner and dog were five weeks into a six-month caravan trip around the western half of Australia when the incident happened, according to his family.
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The devastating circumstances surrounding his death have now been revealed at a mandatory coronial inquest.
The coroner heard Payne was a keen surfer, who had previously been cautious about the possibility of shark attacks and used deterrent devices while in the water, WA Today reported.
The inquest heard he was not wearing the device on the day, because he thought it was not needed after leaving South Australia.
"[The couple] had discussed wearing [shark deterrents] prior to their visit to Granites Beach," Senior Constable Assisting the Coroner Craig Robertson told the court.
"Unfortunately, they thought after leaving South Australian waters it would be safe to enter the water without them."
Payne and his partner had also made the decision not to surf at South Australia's Granites Beach after locals warned them about a fatal shark attack there in January.
"They were aware of a fatal shark attack at the location on January 2, 2025 and following speaking with locals they ultimately decided not to enter the water," Robertson said.
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Perth Now also reported that Payne had been in remission for testicular cancer for three years when he died.
Coroner Sarah Linton indicated she would likely determine he died accidentally, and was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt he was deceased.
She would hand down her findings at a later date.
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