A tragic incident occurred in the Bahamas as a newlywed bride was mauled to death by a shark while paddleboarding just a day after her wedding. The victim has been identified as Lauren Erickson Van Wart, a 44-year-old math teaching specialist from Massachusetts. Ms. Van Wart and her husband were enjoying their honeymoon at the five-star Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort on New Providence Island when the attack took place. The couple was paddleboarding about three-quarters of a mile off shore when they were attacked by a 14-foot predator. The shark pulled Ms. Van Wart off her board, causing severe bites along the right side of her body. Unfortunately, she did not survive the attack and was already deceased when lifeguards recovered her body on the beach. Her husband miraculously was not harmed in the incident.

Ms. Van Wart was well-liked and highly regarded by her colleagues at Curriculum Associates, a company that provides educational resources for schools. The company expressed their deep sorrow and paid tribute to her dedication to students and educators. She was described as a beloved member of the math editorial team who infused her commitment into every material she worked on. The company extended their condolences and support to her husband and family during this difficult time.

Neighbours in Lowell, where Ms. Van Wart lived, expressed their shock and devastation upon hearing the tragic news. They described the honeymoon trip as a "trip of a lifetime" and expressed sympathy for the couple who had likely looked forward to this vacation for months.

The Bahamas, known for its healthy shark population, has seen an increase in shark attacks recently. Last month, a 47-year-old German woman went missing and is believed to have been mauled to death while diving. Despite these incidents, the chances of being killed by a shark worldwide are statistically low, with the likelihood being about one in four million. Gavin Naylor, the program director of the International Shark Attack File, reassured the public that the recent attacks in the Bahamas should not be cause for concern unless a trend emerges.

One factor that can contribute to the likelihood of a shark attack is the practice of tour operators tipping “chum” into the water to attract sharks for visitors to observe. This can make the sharks bolder and more likely to approach humans. However, it is unclear if this practice was involved in the recent attack.

The police investigation into Ms. Van Wart's death is ongoing, and authorities have not yet determined the species of shark responsible for the attack. The Bahamas is home to around 40 different shark species, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerheads, all of which can exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans.

Unfortunately, this incident adds to the growing number of shark attacks worldwide. In 2023, there have been 70 unprovoked shark attack bites, with 12 of them being fatal. Last year, there were 75 attacks, resulting in nine fatalities. On a positive note, the chances of being involved in a shark attack remain minimal, highlighting the rarity of these incidents.