Schafer was kiteboarding south of Stuart Beach at approximately 4:15 p.m. when lifeguard Daniel Lund using binoculars spotted him floating about a quarter-mile offshore in an unguarded stretch of ocean. Lifeguard Lund paddled out to him on a rescue board.

He saw blood in the water and said Schafer was screaming out that he had been attacked by a shark. Lund proceeded to swim back to shore with the victim in tow. Lund said that Schafer was talking as they swam, but eventually stopped. Rescue workers administered CPR to Schafer before paramedics transported him to Martin Memorial Medical Center, where later died. Schafer was in a good spirits Sunday, conversing over dinner with his parents of future plans. Schafer's stepfather Edwin Cox on Thursday said it was the last time he saw Schafer prior to his death."His mother had just spoken to him on Wednesday," Cox said. "We were supposed to have dinner again the next evening."Cox said Schafer's mother, Kathryn Cox, was horrified over her son's death and refused to make any comment.It remains unclear at this point as to what type of shark was responsible for Schafer's death, although experts say it is likely to be one of the larger shark species known to inhabit South Florida waters such as a tiger, bull or possibly a white shark.

George Burgess, keeper of the International Shark Attack File at the Florida Museum of Natural History commented early this morning saying he was trying to reach Martin County officials for further details on the incident. It is the first shark attack death in Florida since 2005. Burgess said he didn't want to make a guess on the exact type of shark involved without more details, although considering the shark attack was fatal, it's very unlikely the incident was caused from the smaller sharks more common to South Florida waters such as the black tip or spinner sharks."Those species are reputable for the occasional nips off the east coast, particularly in Volusia County, however they are not man-eaters," said Burgess. "If in fact, the victim was bitten by sharks, it's far more likely it was a much larger species like the bull or a tiger, or a white shark if it was in the area." White sharks usually don't go much further south than Jacksonville because they prefer cooler water temperatures and are not considered regular vistors," said Burgess.

The Martin County Sheriff's Office has been investigating the death, said sheriff's Capt. Mark McKinley. "I've been here 25 years," says McKinley. "And to my knowledge, this is the first shark-related fatality we've seen. "According to the International Shark Attack File, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties have all escaped fatal shark attacks until now. Reportedly this morning, officials have re-opened Stuart Beach to the public. In addition, schools of sharks were spotted off Palm Beach early this morning. There were easily over a hundred sharks in the water off of Reef Road, according to reports. No beaches are reported of be closed at this time. Schafer's friends stated that they are very shocked by his death."I've never heard of multiple sharks in this particular area surrounding someone and fatally wounding him," said the victim's childhood friend, Teague Taylor, 36. "He was one of the nicest guys Ive ever known." Lt. Don May with Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue said that Sharks have been gathering along Palm Beach County beaches recently in their annual chase of baitfish. Just last week a hammerhead shark was caught off Ocean Reef Park. Lemon, hammerhead and bull sharks are often spotted off area beaches this time of year he said.