The 56-year-old was still conscious when her brave rescuers reached her in the water.

17:21, Sun, Jan 11, 2026 Updated: 17:41, Sun, Jan 11, 2026

Arlene Lillis

Arlene Lillis died after the shark attack (Image: FACEBOOK)

A 56-year-old grandmother tragically died after being mauled by a shark while on holiday. Arlene Lillis had her armed ripped off at a beach in the US Virgin Islands on Thursday, despite the brave efforts of a nurse who swam out to her aide. The Minnesota woman was attacked at around 4.28pm local time at Dorsch Beach on the island of St. Croix. 

First responders were called to reports of "a female who was suspected to be bitten by a shark at Dorsch Beach", Virgin Islands Police Department said. Firefighters "confirmed that the female lost an arm during the attack" and she "later succumbed to her injures", the force added.

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Grandma dies in horror shark attack on dream holiday as 'ungodly screams' heard from beach before po

A brave nurse tried to save her. (Image: Facebook)

Registered nurse Christopher Carroll heard Mrs Lillis' screams and swam out to help her. He told NBC News: "I knew it was a big, big shark.

"And that was the most terrifying moments ... knowing that there’s blood in the water, knowing there’s a very large shark that’s aggressive and not knowing if it’s still there. Is it coming back? Is it going to come back for her? Is it going to hit me?"

Mr Carroll said she was conscious while he towed her back to shore, and able to give him her name, which another witness claimed were her last words. 

Tourist Ryan Connot also swam out to help, saying: "She told us her name was Arlene. That was about halfway back. I think that was the last thing she said."

Mr Carroll added: "I just just kept trying to reassure that she she wasn’t alone, that you know, they were going to get her help and get her to the hospital...

"You know at least she had people to help her and and she wasn’t alone. So I’m taking some comfort in that."

US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. said in a statement: "Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of the victim, and with everyone who witnessed this tragedy.

"We have been briefed on the information known at this time, and we are grateful to the bystanders who acted immediately to render aid and to the first responders who worked urgently and bravely in an effort to save her life."