44-Year-Old Massachusetts Woman Identified as Victim of Fatal Shark Attack in the Bahamas

Authorities have identified the 44-year-old Massachusetts woman who died in a shark attack near a beach resort in the Bahamas on Monday. Lauren Erickson Van Wart, from Lowell, was paddleboarding close to the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort in New Providence when the shark attacked, according to police. Her mother-in-law told WCVB-TV that she was on vacation with her husband of 13 years, Ernest, when the tragedy occurred.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force reported that Van Wart was paddleboarding “along with a male relative” at the time of the incident. A lifeguard who witnessed the attack rushed to their aid on a rescue boat, authorities say.

Van Wart suffered serious injuries on the right side of her body and was given CPR, but unfortunately, she did not survive. Her husband escaped physically unharmed.

Van Wart worked in the math editorial team at Curriculum Associates, a company that produces educational products. Rob Waldron, the company’s CEO, expressed his grief over the loss of a beloved colleague and friend. He described Van Wart as a dedicated member of their team who infused her passion for students and educators into every project she worked on.

Sandals Resorts issued a statement expressing their condolences to Van Wart’s family. They stated that they are providing all possible support during this difficult time.

Fatal shark attacks are rare in the Bahamas, but Van Wart’s death follows two other recent incidents. A 47-year-old German woman went missing and was feared dead after encountering a shark during a diving excursion in West End, Grand Bahama, on November 21. In September 2022, a 58-year-old woman from Pennsylvania was also killed while snorkeling with her family in New Providence.

The investigation into Van Wart’s shark attack is ongoing, according to the Royal Bahamas Police.