Orange Beach Doctor Who Saves Teen’s Life from Shark Attack Honored

OBA Staff • June 19, 2024

Doctor Forbess Receives Honor From Orange Beach City Council

Doctor Forbess Receives Honor From Orange Beach City Council

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Dr. Ryan Forbess with Orange Beach Family Medicine was honored by the Orange Beach City Council for his heroic actions during a shark attack in Rosemary Beach, Florida. While vacationing, Dr. Forbess and his friend, Dr. Mohammad Ali, heard screams, turned and saw red clouds in the water.


They immediately rushed to help and found two injured teens. One, 15-year-old Lulu Gribbins from Mountain Brook, Alabama, had severe injuries to her right leg and left arm. Dr. Forbess applied tourniquets, which likely saved her life. The City Council presented Dr. Forbess with a Certificate of Recognition and the citizens of Orange Beach gave him a standing ovation.


Dr. Forbess has been part of the Orange Beach community since 2016, providing primary care through the Orange Beach Family Medicine Group. He grew up in McKenzie, Tennessee, and pursued his medical degree at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine.

Dr. Forbess Certificate of Recognition

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