Jackass Star Poopies Overcomes Fear of Sharks One Year After Near-Death Attack

One year after Jackass stuntman Sean McInerney, AKA Poopies, was attacked during a risky Shark Week stunt, he returned to the ocean to face his (understandable) fear of sharks. Poopies' return for Jackass Shark Week 2.0 was part of Discovery's kick-off special for the network's annual Shark Week event.

Last year, Poopies was attacked during a stunt in which he wakeboarded off a ramp into shark-infested waters. He was bitten on the hand by a reef shark and has since undergone multiple surgeries to repair his injured hand. The stuntman said he attends physical therapy twice a week but still doesn't have full use of his hand.

Jackass Shark Week 2.0 gave Poopies an opportunity to reflect on the gruesome shark attack. "I thought I was gonna die in front of my friends," he said, tearing up. "That's pretty heavy."

As for why he chose to return to the water following such a terrifying experience, he said, "It's really important for me to get over that fear, 'cause I don't want that accident to stop me from doing what I love. I love the ocean, and I love surfing. I'm never gonna stop."

In order to face his fear, Poopies and his Jackass co-stars dove with sharks, yet again. The moment was understandably scary for Poopies, who was visibly nervous underwater, but his friends lightened the mood with comments like, "Just keep your left hand in your pocket." and "Help me find the one that bit you, Poopies!"

"I can see that one," Poopies fired back. "He's having a great time. Having more fun than anyone else."

All jokes aside, Poopies said diving with sharks was "crazy" and there were moments where he was "freaking out," but ultimately he enjoyed the dive. "I got a front row seat to this freakin' shark show with my boys," he said while underwater. "They're loving me down here and I'm loving them back."

When Poopies resurfaced, he was met with a round of applause from those on the boat praising him for facing his fears.

"You definitely have to have respect for those sharks," he said. "I feel a lot better, I don't have fear of dying when I'm next to sharks anymore... now I can go surf and water ski big waves!"

Shark Week 2022 features special programming airing all week long on Discovery and Discovery+, including 25 hours of new shows and never-before-seen footage.

Kirstie Renae is a writer, blogger, and Austin-based actress with a penchant for binge-watching TV with her dogs. Follow her on Twitter @KirstieRenae.