American woman killed in shark attack in the Bahamas
An American woman has been killed by a shark while paddleboarding in the Bahamas, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
The woman was paddleboarding with a male relative near the back of the Sandals resort, about three-quarters of a mile out to sea, when she was attacked, police said.
A lifeguard responded on a rescue boat, police said. CPR was administered but the injuries to the right side of her body were too severe, police said.
The woman was identified Tuesday as 44-year-old Lauren Erickson Van Wart of Massachusetts, police said.
Five people were killed worldwide in unprovoked shark attacks last year: one in the U.S., two in Egypt and two in South Africa, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File.
Sandals said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of a guest while on a paddleboarding activity nearly a mile from the shore. We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the guest’s family and loved ones. We remain in close contact with them and are providing all support possible during this difficult time."
ABC News' Will Gretsky contributed to this report.
