Boston woman, Lauren Erickson Van Wart, 44, has been tragically killed in a shark attack while celebrating her honeymoon at a luxury resort in the Bahamas.
Van Wart and her husband were enjoying a paddle boarding excursion on Monday morning, just one day after their wedding, off the coast of the five-star Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort. The couple was approximately three-quarters of a mile from the shoreline, in the rear of the resort, when a lifeguard spotted them in distress.
Debra DeWeese, a vacationer who was on a day pass from a nearby cruise, reported hearing screams from the beach as the attack unfolded. The lifeguard quickly rushed to the couple’s aid, pulling them both on board a rescue boat and attempting CPR on Van Wart.
PICTURED: Boston editor Lauren Erikson Van Wart, 44, who was killed by a shark ‘in front of her husband’ on the first day of her honeymoon in The Bahamas while vacationing at 5-star resort
via https://t.co/SoLYFq4fjs https://t.co/iPTOhwCKvj— John B Tawn (@27Tawnyowl) December 6, 2023
Despite the lifeguard’s efforts, the attack caused severe injuries to the right side of Van Wart’s body, including her right hip and upper limb. Emergency Medical Services were called to the scene, but upon arrival declared the victim had no vital signs of life.
Van Wart, a math editor for Curriculum Associates, was described as a dedicated and committed colleague by CEO Rob Waldron. He praised her for her passion for improving learning outcomes for students.
The Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort issued a statement expressing their condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. They are working closely with authorities and offering support during this difficult time.
It is not yet known what type of shark attacked Van Wart, as the Bahamas is home to various species, including tiger and bull sharks. However, experts have noted that the high tourist population and frequent interactions with sharks may lead to them being less cautious.
This is the second fatal shark attack reported in the Bahamas in the past five years, with a rare attack also occurring in St. Martin. Shark attacks are uncommon and usually accidental. Last year, there were a total of 57 unprovoked bites reported worldwide.
