Overview
- Arlene Lillis, 56, was pulled from the water near Dorsch Beach on Jan. 8 after severe limb injuries and later died at a local hospital, authorities said.
- Multiple 911 calls came in around 4:28 p.m. local time, and marine, fire and EMS units responded to the western St. Croix shoreline.
- Bystanders, including a nurse and a CPR-trained vacationer, swam out to bring Lillis to shore before first responders transported her.
- Reports of a possible second victim were investigated, but searches of the beach perimeter found no additional casualties.
- Officials confirmed the fatal injury was a shark bite, noted that such bites are rare in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and said the ongoing probe includes steps to expand beach safety signage and public information.