A 66-year-old American woman who operated horseback riding tours on the Caribbean island of Antigua has died following a vicious assault earlier in December.
Brutal Attack on Picturesque Shoreline
Karen Johannsen, originally from Madison, Wisconsin, was leading a trail ride on Runaway Beach at Dickenson Bay when she was attacked. The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda stated that officers responded to the incident around 11 a.m. on 19 December.
Investigators believe a man struck Johannsen on the head with a blunt object. She was found unconscious at the scene and suffered catastrophic injuries.
Fatal Injuries and International Medical Response
Johannsen was rushed to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre in Antigua for emergency treatment. Due to the severity of her condition, she was later airlifted to the University of Wisconsin Hospital for further care.
Her family confirmed the injuries were extensive, including a massive head trauma, a fractured jaw, and multiple broken bones. The brain injury was so severe that she required life support and could not breathe independently. Doctors informed relatives there was no hope of neurological recovery.
Karen Johannsen died on 26 December.
Investigation and Community Tributes
Authorities have launched a homicide investigation. A man is currently in police custody for questioning. Johannsen's sister, Lyn, told media outlet WMTV that the individual detained is a former boyfriend of the victim. Police have not publicly named the suspect.
Johannsen was a well-known figure, both in her hometown where her family ran Johannsen's Greenhouse for 50 years, and in Antigua. She frequently shared updates on social media about her tours, highlighting her deep affection for the island and its tourism industry.
The Minister for Tourism, Charles Fernandez, issued a formal statement expressing profound sorrow. "On behalf of the Government and People of Antigua and Barbuda, I extend our deepest condolences on the untimely passing of your beloved sister, Karen," he said. He described her as a wonderful person and a dedicated contributor to Antigua's tourism.
The police have extended condolences to the family and urge anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Department.
