In a devastating turn of events, a 56-year-old Minnesota woman, Arlene Lillis, lost her life after a shark attack at Dorsch Beach on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The incident, which occurred at approximately 4:28 p.m., has left the community in shock and mourning. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Lt. Governor Tregenza A. Roach have expressed their deepest sympathies to the victim's family and commended the swift actions of beachgoers and first responders.
The fatal attack unfolded as Lillis was snorkeling within the designated buoys at Dorsch Beach. Eyewitnesses and emergency officials reported that the woman suffered catastrophic injuries, including the loss of her arm, before succumbing to her wounds.
The type of shark responsible for the attack remains unidentified, and authorities have not yet released further details about the incident. This tragic event has raised concerns and sparked discussions about water safety and the potential risks of marine life encounters in the Virgin Islands.
Despite the rarity of such incidents, the shark attack in St. Croix serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the waters. This tragic event has left the community in mourning and has sparked discussions about water safety and the potential risks of marine life encounters. Authorities are urging visitors and residents to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings while engaging in water activities.
