Friends are still reeling from Nico Antic’s sudden pᴀssing, revealing that as he was pulled to shore, he endured the pain to whisper just three haunting words…

Paramedics at Nielson Park after Nico was rescued from the water by friends

Another friend of the family, Victor Piñeiro, said Nico had sustained “devastating injuries”.

As of Friday evening, the GoFundMe had reached $224,644 of its $250,000 target.

Despite reports claiming Nico had died, a family member later confirmed he was still alive but would never wake up.

They said: “He is still asleep, but will not be able to make it because his brain is completely unresponsive.”

The family described Nico as a talented sports player who “never fails to put a smile on peoples faces”.

Adding: “He is loved by many friends and family.”

Nico’s football club of seven years, Goal Soccer Academy in Rose Bay, said he was a “talented and dedicated player” who represented the club at tournaments including the Sydney International Cup.

The attack was one of fo ur shark encounters in just days along the NSW coastline.