06 December 2023 , 02:35
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A woman killed ina horror shark attack while paddle-boarding has been pictured as tributes are paid to the 'beloved' newlywed.
Police named the woman as 44-year-old Lauren Erickson Van Wart from Boston, Massachusetts, with search and rescue teams finding her paddle-board floating near the scene in the Bahamas. Lauren was reportedly killed just one day after getting married or having a marriage blessing, it was previously claimed - however but her mother-in-law claimed the couple had been married for a number of years.
Now, her employers have paid tribute, claiming she was a "beloved" member of staff. CEO of Curriculum Associates, Rob Waldron, said: “Our team is heartbroken and grieving the loss of a dear and trusted colleague and friend. Lauren was a beloved member of our math editorial team, and she infused her deep dedication to students and educators into every material she touched.
READ MORE: Woman killed by shark 'day after wedding' identified after paddle-board found
"Her commitment to excellence and outstanding work was driven by a higher purpose, focused on improving learning outcomes for all. Our Curriculum Associates community is mourning this tragedy and extends our deepest love and support to Lauren’s wonderful husband and all of her family.”
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Police named the woman as 44-year-old Lauren Erickson Van Wart from Boston, Massachusetts, with search and rescue teams finding her paddle-board floating near the scene in the Bahamas. (CBS NEWS)Lauren had been seen laughing and talking on her paddleboard in the waters off the coast of New Providence Island near the Sandals Resort. She had been swimming with family, the RBPF previously stated in a news release.
The Bahamas the resort has expressed its '"deepest condolences", saying: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of a guest while on a paddle-boarding activity nearly a mile from the shore. We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the guest’s family and loved ones," a spokesperson for Sandals resort told the Mirror.
"We remain in close contact with them and are providing all support possible during this difficult time. Out of respect for our guests’ privacy and confidentiality, we cannot share further information at this time.”
The Royal Bahamas Police Force said the 44-year-old Boston woman had just got married on Sunday and was attacked Monday while in the ocean with her family (CBS NEWS)The Royal Bahamas Police Force said the 44-year-old Boston woman had just got married on Sunday and was attacked Monday while in the ocean with her family. She was killed in waters that were fewer than one mile off the western end of New Providence Island.
"Shortly after 11.15 am, police were notified that a female visitor from Boston, Massachusetts, USA, was subsequently attacked by a shark," Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a statement. "According to initial reports, the female -- along with a male relative -- were paddle-boarding just at the rear of a resort in western Providence, some 3/4 miles out from the shoreline, when she was bitten by the shark."
Police stated the victim was with a relative who was reported uninjured following the attack. The type of shark that killed the newlywed is unclear. The lifeguard was able to pull both paddlers to safety in a boat, but the woman's injuries to the right side of her body were too severe and she died at the scene.
Police stated the victim was with a relative who was reported uninjured following the attack (CBS NEWS)“We extend our heartfelt condolences—for this most unfortunate situation,” said Police Sgt Desiree Ferguson. The Boston resident was killed near the Sandals resort on Cable Beach.
Experts say the waters around The Bahamas are rife with sharks. There are between 30 and 40 species of sharks that inhabit the waters around The Bahamas, according to Director Gavin Naylor of the International Shark Attack File in Florida. He said the sharks that are most likely to bite are the Caribbean reef shark, the bull shark, the tiger shark and the black tip shark.