Human Interest 17-Year-Old Boy Dies After Being Stung by a Box Jellyfish in Australia The boy, who has not been publicly named, died a week after being stung by a box jellyfish By Jason Hahn Jason Hahn Jason Hahn is a former Human Interest and Sports Reporter for PEOPLE. He started at PEOPLE's Los Angeles Bureau as a writer and reporter in 2017 and interviewed the likes of Kobe Bryant, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Brady. He has a B.A. in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. He previously worked for Complex Magazine in New York City. People Editorial Guidelines Published on March 19, 2021 06:46 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Getty A 17-year-old boy has died days after he was stung by a jellyfish while swimming off of the northeastern coast of Australia. According to 7News, the boy — who has not been publicly identified — was in the waters off of the Cape York Peninsula when he was attacked by a chironex fleckeri, also known as the Australian box jellyfish. The boy was intubated by emergency workers after being stung and was then flown to a local intensive care unit. He died a week later on March 1, the outlet said. As noted by CNN, the National Oceanic Service says the Australian box jellyfish is "considered the most venomous marine animal," with a body that can grow up to a foot diameter. Its tentacles can reach lengths up to 10 feet long. Giant Jellyfish Captured on Video Is Larger Than the Divers Who Spotted It: 'Absolutely Incredible' "Box jellyfish have traits that set them apart from other jellyfish," the organization says of the animal. "Most notably, box jellyfish can swim — at maximum speeds approaching four knots — whereas most species of jellyfish float wherever the current takes them, with little control over their direction." Getty Not only that, but box jellyfish also distinguish themselves from other species by using sight to keep from bumping into obstacles on the ocean floor. "They have clusters of eyes on each side of the box," the National Oceanic Service explains. "Some of these eyes are surprisingly sophisticated, with a lens and cornea, an iris that can contract in bright light, and a retina." Over 800 People Stung by Jellyfish at Central Florida Beaches in Only Three Days A February report from the government of Queensland — the Australian state where the attack occurred — says there have been at least 70 fatalities caused by the box jellyfish in the country. RELATED VIDEO: Hiker Falls from Ledge and Dies One Day After Posting Dramatic Cliffside Instagram Photo The Australian box jellyfish "is extremely dangerous and a constant threat through the warmer months on the Northern Queensland coast," authorities warned. According to the BBC, police said the coroner will be releasing a report about the boy's death.