A Minnesota resident died after a shark attack while visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands, authorities confirmed, marking a heartbreaking incident that unfolded Thursday afternoon on the island of St. Croix.
According to the Virgin Islands Police Department, emergency crews were dispatched around 4:28 p.m. local time after receiving reports that a woman had been bitten by a shark at Dorsch Beach. When first responders arrived, firefighters confirmed the severity of the injuries, noting that the woman had lost an arm during the attack. Despite urgent rescue efforts, she later died from her wounds.
The victim was identified as 56-year-old Arlene Lillis, a resident of Lake Detroit in northwestern Minnesota, near the North Dakota border. Officials said bystanders at the beach acted quickly to assist her before emergency personnel arrived, though the injuries proved fatal.
U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. expressed condolences in a public statement, calling the incident a devastating tragedy. He thanked the witnesses who immediately stepped in to help and praised first responders for their bravery and swift actions under extreme circumstances.
Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach echoed those sentiments, offering sympathy to the victim’s family and loved ones. He emphasized how sudden and life-altering such moments can be, while also recognizing the courage of those who tried to help and the professionalism shown by emergency crews at the scene.
Authorities have not released additional details about the shark involved or any further safety measures, but the incident has deeply affected both the local community and those following the news from afar.