‘Kind’ Grandma Killed in Suspected Shark Attack at Popular Beach

A Minnesota grandmother who loved the ocean and split her time between the Midwest and the Caribbean was killed in a suspected shark attack while swimming off St. Croix, officials said.

Authorities say 56-year-old Arlene Lillis died Thursday afternoon after being bitten while in the water at Dorsch Beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Emergency crews began getting frantic 911 calls around 4:28 p.m. reporting that a woman had been attacked by a shark.

Marine units, firefighters, and EMS raced to the scene, where they found Lillis with devastating injuries, including the loss of an arm. Despite their efforts, she did not survive. First responders later recovered her personal belongings, including identification, from the water.

On Friday, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources confirmed that Lillis’ death was the result of a shark bite, though officials said they have not yet determined what kind of shark was involved. Early fears that there might be a second victim led to a search of the surrounding beach, but rescuers did not find anyone else hurt.

Lillis, who lived in Minnesota, also owned a home on St. Croix and had started spending winters on the island last year. Her neighbor, Andrew Gamble, said the tight-knit community is stunned.

He remembered her as a proud mom and new grandmother who quickly fell in love with island life.

“Arlene was active and fun-loving, and above all she was genuinely kind,” Gamble told ABC News. “She loved hiking, the water, and snorkeling, and she had a deep love for animals.”

Last winter, he said, she even fostered and nursed a feral beach dog back to health.

“She treated everybody — people, animals — the same way: with great love,” he added.

Local officials have not released any additional warnings about sharks in the area, but the shocking incident has left residents and visitors heartbroken over the loss of a woman who treasured the very waters where she spent her final moments.