On February 3, 2010, a kite surfer in Stuart Beach, Florida was enjoying the surf when the least expected thing crossed his path.

Thirty eight year old, Stephen Howard Schafer, suffered from multiple lethal wounds from a shark, suspected to be a great white. He was pronounced dead at Martin Memorial North Medical Center.

According to tcpalm.com, sharks usually appear in that area to feed on bait fish migrating to the area. Schafler’s friend, Teague Taylor, reported seeing sharks near where his friend was surfing.

Prior to this attack, the treasure coast’s last fatal shark attack was on Nov. 21, 1998. Florida’s last fatal attack was in 2005, the victim being a 14-year-old girl from Miramar Beach.

According to palmbeachpost.com, another recent shark incident involves a fisherman in Riviera Beach, Florida. Just three days after the Stuart attack, a man was bitten by a six-foot shark after he accidently caught it while fishing. The fisherman then swam out to release the shark. He only suffered a minor bite in his lower leg.

From 1882 to 2008, there have been 58 unprovoked shark attacks in Palm Beach County alone. The exact causes of these attacks are not certain, but beach-goers may take more precautions to prevent future incidences.

According to huffingtonpost.com, some safety precautions that should be taken include staying in groups, not wandering to far off from shore, avoid going into the water during darkness or twilight hours, and staying out of the water if you are bleeding or menstruating.