A 56-year-old woman from Minnesota has died following a rare and fatal shark attack while swimming in the turquoise waters of the United States Virgin Islands.
A Tropical Escape Turns to Tragedy
Arlene Lillis was enjoying a holiday on the island of St Croix, seeking respite from the harsh midwestern winter with her husband, Richard. The couple had just arrived and planned to stay at their property until May. The tragedy unfolded at approximately 4:30 p.m. on 8 January near Dorsch Beach.
According to the Virgin Islands Police Department, emergency crews responded to multiple calls for help. They confirmed that Lillis had lost her left arm below the elbow in the attack. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries.
Bystanders' Brave Attempts to Save a Life
The dramatic rescue attempt was recounted by two visitors who rushed to help. Christopher Carroll, a former lifeguard from Utah celebrating his anniversary, heard what he described as "ungodly screaming" and swam out to Lillis.
"I'm going to die," Carroll recalled Lillis saying. He tried to reassure her, telling the St Thomas Source news outlet: "I just kept saying, 'No … you're going to be OK.' I figured if we got her to a hospital, she'd have a fighting chance."
Carroll was joined by Ryan Connot, a power company lineman from Nebraska who was snorkelling nearby with his family. Together, they pulled the injured woman to shore. Connot, who was trained in CPR, noted that Lillis told them her name was Arlene, which he believes were her last words.
Both men, along with other bystanders and medical professionals, rendered aid on the beach. However, Carroll stated that Lillis had lost a significant amount of blood by the time she was placed in an ambulance. Neither man saw the shark responsible for the mauling.
The Rarity of Deadly Shark Encounters
Authorities, including US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr and Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A Roach, confirmed the incident was a suspected shark attack. Governor Bryan expressed gratitude for the bystanders and first responders who acted "urgently and bravely."
This fatal incident underscores the extreme rarity of such attacks. According to data from trackingsharks.com, there were:
- Fewer than 70 reported shark bite incidents globally in 2025.
- Only 11 of those were fatal.
- Of 28 incidents in the US, more than half were in Florida, with just one other being deadly.
The International Shark Attack File, which provides definitive annual totals, is due to release its official figures for the previous year in February.
Back in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, neighbours expressed shock at the loss of Arlene Lillis. US Virgin Islands congressional representative Stacey Plaskett offered condolences, stating: "The loss of a loved one under such devastating circumstances is beyond words. And our entire community shares in their grief."
The two men who tried to save a stranger's life reflected on their actions. Connot said he helped because "I would hope someone would do the same for me," while Carroll hoped the story would inspire others to care and help in any way they can.
