Pitt grad identified as fatal shark attack victim in Bahamas

A University of Pittsburgh alumna was attacked and killed by a shark while vacationing with her husband in the Bahamas.

Lauren Erickson Van Wart, a 44-year-old Boston resident, was paddleboarding with her husband on Monday when she was bitten by a shark, according to Royal Bahamas Police Sgt. Desiree Ferguson.

Police and lifeguards responded to the attack near the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort in New Providence. Van Wart’s husband of 13 years was not injured in the attack.

The couple was less than a mile from the shoreline when the attack occurred, according to police. Van Wart was administered CPR, and suffered fatal injuries to the right side of her body. Van Wart was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police, as reported by TribLive news partner WTAE.

Van Wart was a supervising editor in mathematics and graduated from Pitt in 2002.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of a guest while on a paddleboarding activity nearly a mile from the shore,” Sandals Resorts said in a statement. “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.”

Van Wart was an employee of Curriculum Associates, a tech company that specializes in educational tools and programs, such as its flagship i-Ready product, according to WTAE.

“Our team is heartbroken and grieving the loss of a dear and trusted colleague and friend,” Rob Waldron, chief executive officer of Curriculum Associates, said in a statement. “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.”

According to the Associated Press, Gavin Naylor, program director of the International Shark Attack File in Florida, said there have been a couple of shark-related fatalities reported in the Bahamas in the past five years.

He noted the Bahamas has a “huge” tourist population, adding that there are a lot of people in the water and a lot of visitors who want to view sharks from a fishing boat or dive with them.