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The Heartbreaking Story Of Bethany Hamilton's Nephew: 5 Things To Know About Andrew Hamilton's Tragic Legacy

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The professional surfing world, and the countless fans of 'Soul Surfer' Bethany Hamilton, were met with profound sadness in late 2023 following a devastating family tragedy. The focus of this sorrow was her young nephew, Andrew Hamilton, whose short life ended after a horrific accident. This article, updated for late December 2025, delves into the full, emotional story of the event, the outpouring of support, and how the Hamilton family—known for their resilience and deep faith—has navigated this unimaginable loss, transforming grief into a message of hope and awareness.

The tragic loss of three-year-old Andrew, the son of Bethany’s older brother, Timothy Hamilton, has brought renewed attention to the critical issue of water safety and the Hamilton family's unwavering spiritual foundation in the face of adversity. While Bethany is globally recognized for overcoming a shark attack, this recent, deeply personal challenge has revealed a new chapter of strength and perseverance for her entire ohana (family).

Bethany Hamilton: A Complete Biographical Profile

Bethany Hamilton is a figure synonymous with courage, faith, and indomitable spirit. Her life story is a testament to overcoming monumental odds, which provides crucial context for understanding her family’s response to the later tragedy.

  • Full Name: Bethany Meilani Hamilton
  • Date of Birth: February 8, 1990
  • Place of Birth: Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, U.S.
  • Parents: Tom and Cheri Hamilton
  • Siblings: Two older brothers, Noah and Timothy Hamilton
  • Spouse: Adam Dirks (married 2013)
  • Children: Four sons (Tobias, Wesley, Micah, and Alaya)
  • Key Event: Survived a shark attack on October 31, 2003, at age 13, which resulted in the loss of her left arm.
  • Career Highlights: Professional Surfer, Author of the best-selling autobiography *Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board* (2004), Motivational Speaker, and subject of the 2011 major motion picture *Soul Surfer*.
  • Recent Focus (2024-2025): Continues to compete in select World Surf League (WSL) events, focuses on her foundation, and is an active advocate for faith-based and pro-life causes, including speaking at the 2025 National Pro-Life Summit.

The Tragic Drowning of Andrew Hamilton: A Timeline of Loss

The story of Bethany Hamilton’s nephew, Andrew Samuel Hamilton, is one of sudden, heartbreaking loss that deeply affected the close-knit Hamilton family. Andrew was the fifth of six children born to Bethany's brother, Timothy Hamilton, and his wife, Kyah Hamilton.

Initial Accident and Plea for Help

The tragedy began in October 2023 when the three-year-old boy was involved in a drowning accident. The details, later shared by the family, revealed the accident occurred in the shallow water of a bathtub, highlighting how quickly and silently drowning can happen.

Bethany Hamilton took to social media on October 12, 2023, with a desperate plea for her millions of followers to pray for her "precious nephew." Andrew was medevaced from Kauai to the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children in Oahu, fighting for his life.

The Passing and Family's Statement

Despite the medical team’s efforts, Andrew succumbed to his injuries a week later, passing away on October 17, 2023.

Bethany Hamilton publicly confirmed the sad news on October 19, sharing a faith-filled message that reflected the family's spiritual strength. "The Lord has received my sweet nephew Andrew into his beautiful care," she wrote. "While my family and I will miss him dearly, we trust that his joy is full with Jesus." Timothy Hamilton, Andrew’s father, also shared a touching tribute, confirming his son's passing and noting the boy was born on December 26, 2020.

The Hamilton Family’s Response: Faith, Community, and Water Safety Awareness

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Hamilton family—including Bethany, her husband Adam Dirks, and Andrew’s parents, Timothy and Kyah Hamilton—demonstrated the deep community support and spiritual resilience they are known for.

A Community Rallies with Financial and Emotional Support

The immediate and extended family faced significant medical and travel expenses due to the medevac and the week-long hospitalization in Oahu. The community quickly mobilized, setting up support campaigns, including a GoFundMe and a Meal Train, to assist Andrew's parents, Timothy and Kyah, and their other five children. The funds helped the family return to their home in Kauai to begin the healing journey.

The Unwavering Role of Faith

Central to every public statement from Bethany Hamilton and her brother Timothy was their Christian faith. The language used—referencing Andrew being "in his beautiful care" and his "joy is full with Jesus"—served as a powerful public testimony that resonated with their global following. This spiritual perspective allowed them to frame their profound grief within a larger narrative of eternal hope, a message that has been a hallmark of Bethany’s career since the *shark attack* that nearly ended her life.

A Renewed Call for Water Safety

While Bethany is celebrated for her connection to the ocean, the nature of Andrew’s death—a drowning accident in a seemingly safe environment—served as a stark reminder of the ever-present danger of water. This tragic event inadvertently reinforced the need for constant vigilance around water, a topic of paramount importance for any family, especially those living in the water-centric environment of Kauai.

The family's openness about the details of the accident has become a subtle, yet powerful, form of *drowning prevention* advocacy. They highlighted that drowning is often silent and can occur in minimal amounts of water, making it a crucial *water safety* lesson for parents worldwide. The Hamiltons, who have dedicated their lives to the water, now carry the painful burden of this awareness, transforming their personal sorrow into a universal warning.

The legacy of Andrew Hamilton, though tragically short, is now woven into the fabric of the Hamilton family’s inspiring story. It is a reminder that even the strongest families face unimaginable heartache, but their response—rooted in community, resilience, and faith—continues to inspire millions globally.

bethany hamilton nephew
bethany hamilton nephew

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