Model with \$10M Legs Risks Losing Precious Limb to Shark: ‘Literally Inches from Me’
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Supermodel and beauty icon Heidi Klum, famously insured for her \$10 million legs, had a heart-stopping brush with danger during a tropical vacation when a shark swam just inches from her in shallow waters. The German-American model, 51, who’s long been admired for her runway presence and TV hosting charisma, shared the terrifying moment on social media, sparking a wave of concern—and disbelief.
Klum, who was vacationing at an undisclosed exotic beach destination, posted a video clip of herself wading in crystal-clear water when suddenly a shadow loomed nearby. That shadow turned out to be a shark—”literally inches from me,” she wrote in her caption, still shaken. “I didn’t even realize it at first until someone yelled.”
Witnesses nearby described the moment as surreal. “She was standing in waist-deep water, just smiling for photos, and suddenly the shark came right up behind her,” one onlooker recounted. “She was incredibly lucky. A few steps back and it could’ve been a different story.”
The incident is particularly jarring given that Heidi’s legs—insured for a whopping \$2 million apiece during her Victoria’s Secret heyday—remain a signature part of her brand. In fact, she once revealed on a talk show that one leg was insured for slightly less due to a small scar.
While she escaped unharmed, Klum’s experience is a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of ocean life, even in seemingly calm, tourist-friendly waters. Experts have since weighed in, noting that many species of sharks frequent shallows in search of food and are not inherently aggressive—but any encounter carries risk.
“Stay safe, everyone,” Klum added in a follow-up post, “and always look down before you pose!”
The post has gone viral, not only because of the shock factor but also because fans are amazed at how close the model came to a potentially devastating injury. Social media users have dubbed her “the luckiest legs on Earth” and praised her calm response.
As summer vacation season heats up, Klum’s close call is sure to spark more caution among beachgoers—and maybe a few extra glances below the surface.