Officials ID American woman killed by shark in Bahamas

Police identified Lauren Erickson Van Wart, 44, as the woman who was killed while paddleboarding near the shore from Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort.
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#news #shark #bahamas #paddleboarding #gma #abcnews

[@KristineMarieTxSPI]

How horrific for the husband who had to witness his wife's demise like this. Her horror, the trauma that he'll have to endure. My deepest condolences. 🙏

[@carolharris2357]

Not to mention her's.

[@KristineMarieTxSPI]

@@carolharris2357 Exactly. That's why I said, "her horror". Just terrible.

[@Grillo787]

Of topic you're profile pic beautiful

[@linanicolia1363]

When people are in such conditions , their horror is not registering. They go into shock and time stops. In minutes, they are out, due to blood loss , so ? the terror is really coming from the helpless people, who witness it. Also, DO NOT PEE in the water as it attracts sharks. That is the newest discovery. They leave people alone, usually, unless they smell PEE. That is a new scientific fact. It has been demonstrated........Pretty easy to respect it. The water is not a toilet........and sharks love the smell of pee.

[@rickjason215]

People have no fear of going far out in the ocean. It terrifies me.

[@ballan00]

My wife and I stayed at that same resort. After seeing a shark on our first day there I pretty much stayed out of the water except for the shallow water by the beach and the pools. RIP to this poor woman and my condolences to her family.

[@sabatian1138]

This is a tragic story, but what exactly are police "investigating?" Are they rounding up and questioning neighborhood fish, trying to track down the guilty shark? Stop it.

[@GreenDayPunkChick]

I think they need to prove that it was only a shark attack, and not a murder covered up by a shark attack. That would be my guess, at least.

[@sadiewagstaff890]

😂😂😂

[@linanicolia1363]

Leave the sharks alone....it is their turf.....Pee in the hotel toilet. The Ocean is not a toilet and sharks are attracted by the smell of urine. This is a new discovery. Sharks do not bother people until they smell pee....It is the trigger !!!!!

[@erikaflow4558]

😭

[@jdrayton7224]

Ha ha 😂😂

[@georgeallen8721]

Our Condolences. The odds personally mean nothing, the bottom line is sharks exist and going into their environment puts you at risk. This is a Sad situation

[@Zenithx3]

Statistics mean nothing, so you must not use a car or a cooking knife because they put you as risk.

[@jimflanagan6029]

Why did she go out so far ? From underneath, the paddle board looks like a large injured fish . No fault of the Resort at All.

[@trevorlongley8995]

My thoughts too. Extremely sad though.

[@michaelthomas229]

Wtf is wrong with y’all people

[@l.a.3479]

No one is blaming the resort.

[@FirstLast.....]

Probably the worst part of the ocean to be offshore on a paddle board. Bull sharks and Tiger sharks galore.

[@lulumoon6942]

RIP and comfort to her husband, family, and friends. 🙏

[@StefunnyStrange]

Tip: If you want to have a chance at surviving a shark attack, go under water and fight the shark. I’m not kidding. Punch it in the nose. Do whatever you can. Don’t stay afloat, go under. It sounds crazy but your chances of survival increase when you don’t wade above the water or swim away when the shark is too close anyway. Not saying this woman did that but this is just a tip for others that I learned from shark experts and people with experiences surviving attacks. If you also watch Shark documentaries, you’ll notice they like touching others but not the other way around. They won’t take a risk if they feel endangered…like most animals. For instance, in the wild, when a lion encounters an animal that fights back, the lion contemplates whether or not it wants to continue the attack. Most times, lions back off unless they have back up or the pride with them. When buffalos, giraffes, elephants, etc fight back, it encourages the lion to back off. As vicious and savage as predators can be, they don’t like to take major risks where they could be injured.

[@Ilovemesomemj1]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I don't play in the ocean. I'm strictly a pool girl. Condolences to her family and friends

[@linanicolia1363]

Just don't pee in there. It attracts the sharks who love the smell of urine. It was discovered, not long ago. It should really be advertised as such ! ON your own, and don't pee in the Ocean.........

[@white_genocide2050]

You can also drown in a pool 😂

[@Ilovemesomemj1]

@@white_genocide2050 yep, I sure can, but there aren't any sharks in the pool.

[@leepatrick9432]

What can the police possibly investigate? Wether the shark has previous,is on parole,was trespassing? Sorry for the lady and her family,but sharks live in the ocean,sharks attack people.

[@oldauntzibby4395]

I would guess they do at least a rudimentary investigation to be sure it really was a shark attack and not some other type of injury that happened in the water.

[@agord7591]

Most likely finding the shark to put it down.

[@goglowdaddy1686]

@@agord7591 Yes, precisely. If the shark tries to flee to another country, the authorities are contacted immediately.

[@yakeishabaker5294]

Its the same thing i just text and say,what is there to investigate when they already know what happen

[@LewisJohnsonIII]

Their food supply is decreasing. Over fishing.

[@謬]

No ones hunting them anymore = why would they be scared of us?

[@Uuglyasshellbo1]

@@謬they never was never do you think fish understand fear?😂😂

[@melissacochran5279]

Deepest condolences to the family and friends of this husband. How horrible.With Shark baiting going on for years it’s not uncommon for this kind of thing to occur. We really need to remember that once you get in the ocean past your ankles people are on the bottom of the food chain.

[@cathypetroski9858]

Exactly why I don't ever go in the ocean. You are in shark territory. Condolences to her family and friends . Rip 🕊 🙏

[@Honey-Sanchez]

I certainly agree with you, and I don't want to sound callous, but this is the reason beach front hotels have swimming pools. Condolences to her family and friends.

[@joannecusaac4789]

I haven't been in the ocean since that shark movie "Jaws"..

[@davidb2206]

The oceans are all too polluted now, not only with plastics (especially from China), but also with radioactivity from Japan, and mercury in all the fish according to FDA testing (I have stopped eating ALL ocean seafood).

[@linanicolia1363]

Correct. Humans need to stay in the hotel pool where they can pee, without being attacked by sharks.

[@davidb2206]

@@linanicolia1363 Drink more pee. Or uric acid, if you prefer.

[@lakeishalloyd8902]

Condolences to her husband and family. 😞😞😞

[@judieahmed98]

Condolences to the family

[@AmyLeeAngelLove]

It's sad what happened to her but you are going into a water full of hungry predators. There is no guarantee that you will be attacked by a shark and there is no guarantee that you won't. That's why it's best to stop playing Russian Roulette with your life and stay close to the sand.

[@謬]

You think ur safe on the beach. 😂

[@letthedogsout1]

@@amberlance182with his big teeth?

[@oatmeal5671]

My God this poor woman....its just sad...😭

[@yakeishabaker5294]

Condolence to this lady's family,i hope god gives them the strength and comfort they need in this time

[@cynthiawilson5066]

So 😢 RIP Lauren

[@lilspeth]

So sad. I pray for her family.

[@jdaze1]

Remember people that sharks feed in early morning hours. Stay out of the water or stay near the beach.

[@Lee-ol8gj]

The small sharks go very near the beach in knee deep water. They seem to be inexperienced and will circle you until popped on the head a couple of times.

[@Lindy.T]

Paddle boarding 3/4 of a mile off shore? What was she thinking??

[@jerrygil1965]

Condolences for the poor family

[@ToniMBullock]

We are land mammals, folks. We lose all advantage when we get into water that we don’t belong in. I don’t understand why I keep hearing about people feeding themselves to sharks. Please stop doing this!

[@l.a.3479]

People don't "feed themselves" to sharks.

[@ToniMBullock]

@@l.a.3479 I appreciate that you disagree with me, but when they choose to go into shark infested water, that’s exactly what they’re doing. Volunteering to be their lunch. Same concept as jumping into a den of lions. 💜

[@rickwalters5066]

My condolences to her family and friends

[@edwinkubena9944]

Prayers 🙏🏻

[@Lee-ol8gj]

On what island in the Bahamas did this attack happen? At what time of day was the attack? What was the probable cause of the attack?

[@rickwalters5066]

Shark attack at any time of the day

[@Lee-ol8gj]

@@rickwalters5066 The news account could have been more informative if the specific location and time of day of the attack were reported.

[@jaguarpaw4632]

Animals' basic instincts are changing.

[@謬]

"Stop hunting sharks! It's the law!" Sharks: look hank, they are scared of us now!

[@exposingliars9824]

Yup.

[@MeatballSandwich]

I can only imagine how traumatized the shark must be. 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈

[@lynetteswaserski1829]

Ya thinking about how the humans will blame him for being hungry in his own territory

[@michaelthomas229]

Y’all people are so f sick 😳

[@Bill-vo1wn]

Never TRUST anyone that turns off COMMENTS

[@heathernks8]

Ya know, now I've thinking ppl like Ocean Ramsey et al maybe shouldn't be feeding the sharks and petting them. Not all ppl know how to "redirect" a shark attack, if they even see them coming! This is so, so sad😢💝

[@cathychats]

3/4 of a mile in the ocean? RIP 🙏

[@derrickrobbins8100]

What police investigation? Are they going to question the shark and other marine life? Close it and let the family and friends grieve this tragedy

[@dderossett]

Lots of great content and videos here..........amazing how an ad like that is included in this video.....

[@KittyMcBigClouds]

What an incredibly tacky sign off following that tragic story. It’s like there was a complete disconnect between what had just been reported. Gross.

[@TheDianeBrewer]

I imagine putting chum in the water for tourists adventures doesn’t help!

[@davidjones8043]

Typical media.. they never want to say what color the shark was smh

[@isailevilopez5134]

it's always the usual suspects too...

[@Wyonative08]

First, why would you go a mile out from shore on a paddle board? That seems to invite those kind of attacks. Doesn't make a bit of sense to me!

[@Imheretolaugh-yc3ef]

Stay out of the ocean

[@xploration1437]

How ignorant

[@Imheretolaugh-yc3ef]

@@xploration1437 Exactly. How ignorant it is to be in the ocean where there's sharks. If God wanted us there he'd give us fins and not legs

[@xploration1437]

@@Imheretolaugh-yc3ef your chances of getting bit by a shark are almost literally 0. That’s even more ignorant than being afraid of flying.

[@謬]

​@@Imheretolaugh-yc3ef and if God wanted you on your phone all day, you wouldve been born with only thumbs.

[@Imheretolaugh-yc3ef]

@@謬 You say so kid

[@iLauu-x3i]

That’s just messed up

[@carolharris2357]

One of the African tribes have a saying: Why did she leave home? It's usually the safer place to be.

[@davidb2206]

Yet they migrate by the millions to white countries. Rather than fix their own.

[@Grillo787]

May he find peace in the afterlife.

[@letthedogsout1]

Who?

[@Grillo787]

@@letthedogsout1 lol 🤣😆 my bad, I meant "Her"

[@linanicolia1363]

Who ? the shark ? he is free in the ocean....he has committed no crime. SHE ? the woman ? she was naive......What is the price for that ?

[@exposingliars9824]

😂

[@Grillo787]

@@linanicolia1363 damn brodi that's cold. Shit sad asf. But to each it's own.

[@captzoom1778]

Why are the police investigating what are they going to do arrest the shark

[@jamalammar9745]

How does this still happen...no shark watchers?

[@sadaijajones]

it’s ALWAYS a Sandals resort, very weird.

[@jacquiestafford988]

Why would someone paddle board that far out. 3/4 a mile is crazy. That’s why I go to Cozumel. Been there 8 times nothin. Maybe a stingray, barracuda but no sharks. We have snorkeled many reefs around there as well plus gone deep sea fishing. I feel for the family. Must have been a horrible experience. 😢

[@NicoVara-x5e]

We live in Nassau part-time. Bahamian government does nothing to control the shark population. Bull and Tigers are everywhere. I go in the water, but VERY cautiously and only when its supremely clear. This SUCKS! Poor girl. God Bless Her!

[@ScottShedd123]

Oh poor you 😒 terrible that an impoverished island won't spend money on shark control for you.

[@lynetteswaserski1829]

Now blame the shark

[@謬]

If poachers did their jobs, sharks would still fear us!

[@lynetteswaserski1829]

@@謬 curse the ground you walk on.

[@melindahernandez8778]

How very sad😢😢😢

[@sharonsimth284]

So sad

[@Radical_Rainbow]

Terrible incident. The absolute horror both her and her husband had to endure. But it's important to remember that these are incredibly rare occurrences. Sharks are dangerous animals, but not the man-eaters they're made out to be.

[@yakeishabaker5294]

The neighbor said they probably were saving for months to go on this vacation but maybe is more than a year and see it deh the lady lost her life all because she wanted to live a little.

[@taylorbenning5967]

What are they investigating the shark

[@HiroForever]

TBH I would prefer to die on vacation in such a beautiful place and on vacation. As opposed to being in a hospital clinging miserably to life of some man made ‘disease,’ or other. Yes, tragic and sad. But we are all on a timeline for death.

[@signalfire6691]

Those aren't your only options.

[@daviegriffin3539]

*"Tik Tok..."* ⏲️ ⏳️ #DEADBUGsays 🔥💀

[@l.a.3479]

Most people don't get to choose the when and how.

[@exposingliars9824]

Oh hechnah.

[@cathychats]

Again?

[@James-oj8kq]

😢😢😢

[@davidgarner601]

When you paddle board in the environment where there are sharks, you're at your own risk

[@SgtBroke-bm8gt]

I thought she was a newly wed? Why does this say married for 13 years?

[@sharkman4928]

Very sad.....I have been diving with sharks for many, many years and I hate to hear stories like this. =(

[@misterpsych3804]

3/4 mile off shore - no thanks- then in closing he says the police are still investigating- this isn't a smash and grab , this is nature nothing to investigate. The oceans certainly aren't safe any longer - whether it's the Bahamas or Cape Cod - geez- So sorry for the absolute horror this woman experienced - Prayers to the husband-

[@Abstract.Noir414]

They want to get the sharks side of it

[@CamLeighGamer]

0:46 not even able to celebrate Christmas much :(

[@goglowdaddy1686]

The news teams sure got out to Boston quickly to get those "interviews".

[@l.a.3479]

The Boston ABC affiliate did those interviews, not GMA.

[@Nope2479]

Everything’s a conspiracy 🙄

[@Kallie4378]

I swear I will never get in the water ANYWHERE again! Sharks are EVERYWHERE now! That’s all you hear about is attacks! I live in New England near the Cape and I’m all set with swimming in the water down here! Forget that!!!! I’m all set getting ripped in half by one of those monsters!!! I feel awful for the husband who had to witness his poor wife getting attacked! I can’t even imagine!!!! My thoughts and prayers are with them though!

[@roothogordie2391]

Thats sad.

[@XXLady]

Shocking way to die. RIP

[@NonyaBeezznis]

If you think this is shocking, you should see what electric Eals do to their prey.

[@davidb2206]

That manta ray was a pretty vicious way, too, with that Australian ... on film.

[@yakeishabaker5294]

Nothing else is there to investigate because they already know the cause of death

[@rayray8840]

I heard he pushed her off the board😮

[@marypaquette8705]

Stop it😮

[@lamar3697]

Swimming in the ocean nope!

[@justinaharrison7146]

A lot of cattle etc getting shipped, that die on boats get thrown in the ocean.near ports and places, making sharks come in to feed.

[@linanicolia1363]

Seems like, these hotels need to secure some swimming in the ocean for their guests , such as perhaps.....have a net into the bay ? Something would be nice to keep the sharks from biting the humans. They don't even like that....Poor sharks have to be hungry. We hear, they get triggered to strike when people urinate in the water. It attracts them. SO? People, stop peeing in the water, when no one is looking. The sharks are after you........Bah..........

[@slagletoby]

Heartfelt condolences to the husband and family. RIP! The ocean is the most dangerous place on earth. Beware!

[@l.a.3479]

Hyperbole

[@syourke3]

I think they should’ve ID’ed the shark.

[@internationalregionalnewsviews]

Sad R.I.P but iThat's why Bahamians stay out the water!!!!

[@abrakadabrah3031]

Rational... To go so far from shore in shark infested waters... You are playing with fire... Wonder if she had a high pay out insurance plan... Were they in debt... Husband having affair... Would any... rational minded husband allow his wife into such dangerous waters... 🤔

[@lulumoon6942]

Get real.

[@heathernks8]

"Let"? 😂 Tell me you're an Andrew Tate fan w/o telling me.

[@trkayani4949]

Why do people go in sea where sharks exists ? Is it normal in America ! I would say ! Most stupid and suicide attempt ! Sharks and gators never spare human.

[@shaec3405]

Why SOOOO fat off shore. FFS. use good sense. This is so sad.

[@xploration1437]

Michael’s lisp is unbearable.

[@謬]

Affirmative action is wacist.

[@lloydhuynh5130]

It must be a male sharks.one time i was at the Miami Beach ⛱️ looking around then i talk to a friend of mine that i want to be a male sharks at that beaches

[@arturomichel6344]

What was that again?

[@MrBee-cp9pt]

🙏🏼

[@wz7730]

Three quarters of a mile out at sea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you freaking kidding me? The Bahama's are world renowned for their shark infested waters, especially with the deadly Bull sharks. This was so irresponsible by anyone to be that far out from land. The resort needs to be held responsible for allowing their guests to do this.

[@mdcsolutions]

How in fact would the resort be liable for adults making decisions for themselves? As tragic as this is and it's inexplicably horrible the couple as well as countless terrorists each year decide to do very similar aquatic activities. Sad absolutely. Liable no.

[@jeffrucks4477]

I'm 77 and have always gone out a long way-can't be scared,bad stuff just happens sometimes.Better than sitting on your couch at home scared.

[@gortbot7748]

Do you always blame other people for your stupid decisions?

[@davidb2206]

Adults with free will. Resorts don't tell you how many millimeters to go out.

[@wz7730]

@@jeffrucks4477 I swim and paddle board at the beach all the time. I don't freaking go out nearly a mile in shark infested waters to do it though. No ones saying stay home, just use common sense.

[@AA_Rait]

الله لا يكيم عنكم شدة

[@bradleyborno71]

Her Husband had something to do with this,and police are investigating.

[@VictoriaMarch13]

How? Did the husband pay the shark to attack her??

[@lycanhd]

@@VictoriaMarch13 Yeah, the shark was a paid hitfish. HAHAHA

[@bradleyborno71]

@@lycanhd Ok Dude that was an awesome Comment, but I’m not going to laugh.

[@bradleyborno71]

@@VictoriaMarch13 Witness Statements, apparently a little kid saw him pushing her in, but like I said it’s being investigated.

[@lycanhd]

@@bradleyborno71Cool story bro.

[@true4795]

I still prefer this world to allow Chinese to resume making their Shark Fin soup daily

[@謬]

They need to know their place!

[@user-gd6ir4yv4m]

Wow, what a stupid comment!

[@robertmarley8852]

I wonder if vaxxed vs unvaxxed smells different to the sharks 🤔

[@lamar3697]

If you pee i. The water sharks coming the smell anything in the water

[@SuzyEH]

Sharks gotta eat.

[@davidb2206]

"He was just trying to feed his family. He has a RIGHT to free food."

[@michaelthomas229]

@@davidb2206damn yo much internet for today people are f sick an evil

[@jackgoff6043]

If the woman was Black and the Shark was a great white will it be considered a hate crime?And will Al Sharpton be representing the family?

[@hobamasucs]

"POLICE CONTINUE INVESTGATION" about what ? Do you think they will hold THE SHARK for interrogation ?

[@miguelangelmartinez8356]

The shark most have sociological problems

[@ricosuave8210]

The Bahamas are in the Atlantic not the Caribbean.

[@willbur508]

Darwin Award..