A Minnesotan visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands died from a gruesome shark attack on Jan. 8.
The Virgin Islands Police Department in St. Croix identified the victim as Arlene Lillis, a 56-year-old from Detroit Lakes. Lillis’ husband was unavailable for comment.
“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of the victim, and with everyone who witnessed this tragedy,” Gov. Albert Bryan said. “We have been briefed on the information known at this time, and we are grateful to the bystanders who acted immediately to render aid and to the first responders who worked urgently and bravely in an effort to save her life.”
A report from the island’s police department said 911 operators were called to Dorsch Beach at 4:28 p.m. on Jan. 8 on reports of a woman bitten by a shark. Fire and medical officials responded, finding Lillis with a lost arm and other traumatic injuries. Despite medical aid, she died hours later.
Alex Shiffer of upstate New York was there as a man pulled Lillis from the water. Shiffer, 61, has taken yearly vacations in St. Croix since 2021, and he said many Minnesotans travel there to escape the cold for “a little paradise.” As she was dragged onto the sand, Shiffer realized Lillis’ arm was missing.
“He was trying to stop the bleeding, but the woman looked absolutely white,” Shiffer said of the blood loss, adding many beachgoers were shocked. “There’s people who stay [here] for months and also who’ve been coming for decades, and this has never happened.”
Bryan’s office is working with rescue and law enforcement officials to investigate the incident. They plan to release further information during a news conference Friday.
