> At a Glance
> – Arlene Lillis, 56, of Minnesota, died after a suspected shark attack at Dorsch Beach, St. Croix, around 4:28 p.m. on Jan. 8.
> – First responders found she had lost her left arm from the elbow down; no second victim was located.
> – Why it matters: Fatal shark encounters in the U.S. Virgin Islands are extremely rare, heightening community concern and prompting an ongoing police investigation.
A quiet Thursday afternoon on the sands of Dorsch Beach turned tragic when Arlene Lillis entered the water and was fatally injured in what authorities believe was a shark attack.
Response & Rescue
Virgin Islands Police, fire units, and emergency-medical crews raced to the scene after 911 calls reported a swimmer in distress.
Christopher Carroll, a guest at nearby Sand Castle on the Beach and a trained nurse and lifeguard, told The Virgin Islands Consortium:
> “I heard screaming, ran out, and saw a woman in distress in the water… a large amount of blood… it was some kind of shark attack.”
Carroll pulled Lillis ashore; bystanders helped lift her onto the sand. Her left arm was missing from the elbow, flesh stripped to the humerus. She managed to say her name-“Arlene”-before turning pale and blue.
Victim Identification & Aftermath
Paramedics transported Lillis to an area hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Police later confirmed her identity through next of kin.
Initial reports suggested a possible second victim; however, an extensive shoreline search found no one else harmed.
Investigators ask anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of incident | Jan. 8, 2026 |
| Location | Dorsch Beach, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Time of police alert | 4:28 p.m. local time |
| Victim | Arlene Lillis, 56, Minnesota |
| Injury | Left arm amputated above elbow |
| Outcome | Died at hospital; investigation ongoing |
Key Takeaways
- Fatal shark attacks are exceptionally uncommon in the territory, making this event both shocking and newsworthy.
- A quick civilian response attempted life-saving aid, but massive trauma proved unsurvivable.
- Authorities continue to piece together exactly what transpished in the moments before the first 911 call.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder that even idyllic Caribbean waters can hold unforeseen dangers.
