A 66-year-old American woman has died after being brutally assaulted while leading a horseback riding tour on a beach in Antigua earlier this month. Karen Johannsen, from Madison, Wisconsin, was attacked on Runaway Beach on December 19, suffering catastrophic injuries that left her with no hope of recovery, according to local media.
Police responded to the incident at Dickenson Bay around 11 a.m. local time, where they found Johannsen unconscious. According to a press release from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, a man struck her on the head with an unknown object during a trail ride. She was initially treated at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre before being airlifted to the University of Wisconsin Hospital for further care.
Johannsen's family reported she sustained extensive injuries, including a massive head injury, a fractured jaw and several broken bones. Her brain injury was so severe that she was placed on life support and could not breathe on her own. Doctors informed relatives she would never regain neurological function.
A homicide investigation has been launched, and authorities have a man in custody for questioning. Johannsen's sister Lyn told local station WMTV that the suspect is a former boyfriend. Police have not released his name.
Johannsen was the daughter of the owners of Johannsen's Greenhouse, a Madison staple for 50 years that closed in 2013. She had been living in Antigua and frequently shared updates on social media about her horseback riding tours, highlighting her deep connection to the island's tourism community.
Antigua's Minister Fernandez extended condolences on behalf of the government and people, describing Johannsen as a wonderful person who brought joy and warmth to everyone she met. Police have urged anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Department.
