The Santa Cruz County Sheriff confirmed that Erica Fox, a 55-year-old swimmer who went missing in the waters of Pacific Grove, California, was killed by a shark.
In the latest update, authorities confirmed: “[the] Koerner’s office determined the cause of death to be sharp and blunt force injuries and submersion from a shark attack. The manner of death has been ruled an accident. “
The species of the shark responsible has not yet been revealed. However, this location has suffered from shark attacks in the past, and great white sharks have also been seen in the area.
On December 21, 2025, Fox was swimming with the Kelp Krawlers group, which she founded, when she disappeared along with others. There were reports of large splashes and shark sightings. According to a responding member of the U.S. Coast Guard:
“People who reported shark sightings claimed they saw a shark burst out of the water with what appeared to be a human body in its mouth. They then witnessed the shark submerge below the waterline and not resurface.
“I can confirm there have been reports of sightings in the area, but we are not necessarily linking this sighting to the missing person as there is no conclusive evidence.”
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Fox’s body was later found on Dec. 29, 2025, in Santa Cruz County, south of Davenport Beach. She was identified by a Garmin watch and an electromagnetic shark deterrent still attached to her leg, according to her husband, Jean-Francois Vanreusel.
As mentioned, there have been previous shark attacks at the same location. In May 2022, another swimmer, Steve Breummer, was bitten by a great white shark at Lovers Point; he survived but suffered serious injuries. Then, in August 2022, David Stickler was paddleboarding with his dog at Lovers Point when a shark bit his board. He and his dog also survived.
Our condolences go out to Erica Fox’s family and friends. rest in peace.
RELATED: ‘Human body in mouth’: Shark attack victim still missing in California
This article was originally published by Surfer on January 9, 2026 and first appeared in the News section. Click here to add Surfer as a preferred source.
