It was clear right from the start that it could be a tragedy. Now the certainty has arrived: the 55-year-old triathlete Erica Fox has died in the waters of California, devoured by a shark during a swim with some friends.
Erica Fox killed by a shark
Erica Fox, a regular sea swimmer, disappeared on December 21, 2025 during a group swim at Lovers Point, in Pacific Grove (Monterey Bay area, California). In the water, some people reported the presence of a shark and a witness reported seeing the animal emerge with what looked like a human body: hence the alarm and the start of an extensive search with the Coast Guard and local authorities. The US Coast Guard and local authorities searched for hours (reports speak of a search that was extended and then suspended after about 15 hours, over a large area). But there was no sign of Erica.
The white shark attack: the investigation begins
The searches continued for hours and were then suspended, while in the following days activities and checks continued in the area. On Dec. 27, a body was recovered near Davenport Beach in Santa Cruz County, about 25 miles north of the disappearance. “Based on witness statements, we believe a shark was involved,” Pacific Grove Police Department spokesman Brian Anderson said. Recovery of the body was complex: Fire personnel had to use a rope system to carry the woman’s remains from the beach to the cliffs above. The family identified the remains as those of Erica Fox and the authorities opened an investigation into the death, described as consistent with a shark attack (many articles talk about a possible great white shark, but caution remains a must until there is complete official confirmation).
