Eleonora Boi, the wife of former NBA player Danilo Gallinari, has spoken publicly about the traumatic shark attack she endured while swimming in Puerto Rico last month. The incident occurred late one evening when Boi was six months pregnant, and she described the experience as the ‘worst day’ of her life. During an interview with Good Morning America, Boi recounted the moment with raw emotion, stating that she had to ‘say that I’m traumatized.’ She described the sudden, agonizing pain on her thigh and the burning sensation that led her to believe she had encountered a jellyfish before realizing it was a shark bite.
Throughout the ordeal, Boi expressed intense fear for her unborn child, repeatedly pleading, ‘I don’t want to die,’ and ‘I want that my baby is safe.’ Her husband, Gallinari, who is also from Italy and played in the NBA from 2008 to 2024, rushed to her side upon hearing her screams. Gallinari, who has had an eight-team NBA career averaging 14.9 points and 4.7 rebounds in 777 games, praised the quick action of another woman who helped apply pressure to her wound before medical personnel arrived. He described the moment as ‘not easy to talk about’ and acknowledged the trauma it had left on Boi.
The incident has raised questions about safety in popular swimming areas in Puerto Rico, with Boi expressing her ongoing fear of reliving the moment. Although Boi is reportedly expected to make a full recovery, the emotional toll of the attack remains profound. Her husband, who has been vocal about their family life, has shared updates on her condition, highlighting the support and strength they are drawing from one another. The experience has also brought attention to the challenges faced by pregnant individuals in potentially hazardous environments, particularly when dealing with unexpected emergencies.
Gallinari, who has been an active presence in both the NBA and Italian basketball scenes, has expressed his gratitude for the community’s support following the incident. While the attack did not result in any long-term health issues, the emotional impact on Boi is undeniable. Her willingness to share her story on national television has brought renewed attention to the dangers of shark attacks and the importance of emergency response in such situations. For now, Boi and Gallinari are focusing on recovery and moving forward, with the couple continuing to share updates on their family life and their journey through this emotional ordeal.