A woman from Minnesota tragically lost her life Thursday after a shark attacked her during a visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Arlene Lillis, 56, was reported dead following the incident, as confirmed by the local police department.
Emergency services received multiple calls around 4:30 p.m. regarding the attack at Dokush Beach on St. Croix, occurring about 90 minutes before sunset.
Reports indicated that the woman had lost her arm due to the shark bite and, despite the efforts of first responders, she later died from her injuries. There were rumors of a second victim, but a search of the area did not uncover any additional harm.
The specific type of shark involved remains unknown, and authorities have not shared details about whether the shark was located afterward.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. expressed his condolences, stating, “Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims.” He also thanked the bystanders and emergency personnel who tried to assist.
Lt. Governor Tregenza A. Roach echoed these sentiments, offering gratitude to the first responders while emphasizing the unpredictable nature of such incidents. “Moments like this remind us how quickly life can change,” he said.
The investigation into the attack is still ongoing. Just a couple of weeks prior, another incident was reported on the California coast, where witnesses claimed to have seen a shark with what looked like a human body in its mouth, raising concerns over possible shark aggression in waters across different locations.
