The newlywed who was killed by a shark while rowing in the Bahamas was identified Tuesday as a beloved math major from Massachusetts.
Lauren Erickson Van Wart, 44, who was vacationing with her husband at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort, died Monday after suffering catastrophic injuries from the attack, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said. he said in a brief update.
Van Wart, of Lowell, had been paddle boarding with her spouse less than a mile offshore from the five-star resort on New Providence Island when the predator dragged her beneath the surface.
A lifeguard who witnessed the horrific attack rescued the couple in a boat and took them back to shore, where they performed CPR on the woman.
However, Van Wart suffered “serious injuries to the right side of her body,” including her hip and upper limb area, and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.
Van Wart’s husband was not injured in the attack.
The couple’s neighbors were devastated by the news.
“The journey of my life is heartbreaking, it really is,” Stack Emerson told CBS News Boston. “Shocking. These poor people have probably been looking forward to this vacation for months.”
Lauren Erickson Van Wart has been identified as the woman who was killed by a shark while paddleboarding in the Bahamas. Lauren Van Wart / Linkedin
Van Wart worked as a math specialist for Curriculum Associates, a Billerica-based company that provides resources for teachers.
“Our team is heartbroken and saddened by the loss of a loved and trusted colleague and friend. “Lauren was a beloved member of our math editorial team and she infused her deep dedication to students and educators into every material she touched,” CEO Rob Waldron said in a statement Tuesday.
“His commitment to excellence and outstanding work was driven by a higher purpose, focused on improving learning outcomes for all. Our Curriculum Associates community mourns this tragedy and extends our deepest love and support to Lauren’s wonderful husband and her entire family.”
Van Wart succumbed to serious injuries to the right side of his body. REUTERS
Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort confirmed in a statement that Van Wart was a guest at the all-inclusive venue, where standard rooms cost about $600 a night.
It was unclear what type of shark attacked Van Wart, although up to 40 different species inhabit the Bahamas, including bull sharks, tiger sharks and blacktip sharks, all known to be aggressive.
Although typically rare, Van Wart’s death marks the second fatal shark attack in the Bahamas in just under two weeks.
Van Wart had been paddle boarding with her new husband less than a mile offshore from the five-star Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort on the island of New Providence. REUTERS
Authorities are still searching for a 47-year-old German woman who disappeared late last month after she was apparently attacked while diving.
Last year, a shark killed a 58-year-old American cruise passenger from Pennsylvania who was snorkeling in the northern Bahamas near Green Cay.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn