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Local Woman Dies in Shark Attack

By Dave Bishop Jan 11, 2026 | 3:55 PM

On Thursday, January 8th, just before 4:30 p.m., emergency crews in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, were called to Dorsch Beach after reports that a woman had been bitten by a shark. Marine, Fire, and EMS units responded to the scene, where the victim had lost an arm in the attack.

According to the Virgin Islands Police Department, the woman — identified as 56-year-old Arlene Lillis of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota — later died from her injuries.

There were initial reports of a possible second victim, but after a search of the area, no additional victims were found. As of Friday, the Virgin Island Police Department said the investigation remained ongoing.

 

Story By Karen Downing