A Minnesota husband is mourning the heartbreaking loss of his wife after a tragic shark attack in the U.S. Virgin Islands, an incident that has shocked both their hometown and the island community.

Arlene Lillis, 56, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, died after being attacked by a shark while snorkeling at Dorsch Beach on St. Croix on January 8. According to the Virgin Islands Police Department, the attack occurred at approximately 4:28 p.m., when Arlene was enjoying the water during what was meant to be a peaceful vacation.

Emergency calls reported a woman bitten by a shark, and responding firefighters confirmed Arlene had suffered catastrophic injuries, including the loss of her left arm below the elbow, along with other severe trauma. Despite the seriousness of her injuries, Arlene remained conscious following the attack.

A vacationing nurse from Utah, Christopher Carroll, heard screams from his hotel balcony and immediately swam out to help. He later said the water was filled with blood as he reached Arlene, who was able to identify herself. Carroll pulled her to shore, where first responders rushed to provide life-saving aid.