A 44-year-old Massachusetts woman who was killed on Monday in a shark attack in the Bahamas has been identified, as confirmed by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

The woman has been identified as Lauren Erickson Van Wart.

Also read | Who is Bella Ingber? NYU junior speaks up about antisemitism on campus

Who was Lauren Erickson Van Wart?

Lauren Erickson Van Wart was 44 years old. She was a resident of Lowell. According to the authorities, Lauren Erickson Van Wart died late on Monday morning after being attacked by a shark while paddleboarding close to the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort in New Providence.

She worked for Curriculum Associates, a technology company specializing in educational tools and programs, including its flagship product, i-Ready.

Also read | Who was David Longoria, suspect in Texas shooting targeting Lubbock County deputy?

Wart’s mother-in-law said that she and her husband, Ernest, were on a holiday in the Bahamas. According to a statement issued by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, they received information about a shark attack involving a female tourist from Boston, Massachusetts, USA, just after 11:15 am. According to preliminary accounts, the woman and her male relative were paddleboarding in western New Providence, close to the back of a resort, about 3/4 mile from the coast, when the shark attacked.

A lifeguard saw the shark attack and acted quickly, helping the victim and the man who was with her by using a rescue boat and getting them to safety. The woman suffered severe injuries to the right side of her body, including her hip and upper leg, and sadly, after performing CPR, she was declared dead at the site.

Also read | Who is Jonathan Frieden? Harvard University student claims Jewish classmates are afraid to attend class

Sandals Resorts in a statement after the incident said, “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”