Boston newlywed killed in Bahama vacation shark attack ID’ed as Lauren Erickson Van Wart

The newlywed who was killed by a shark while paddleboarding in the Bahamas was identified Tuesday as a beloved math specialist from Massachusetts.

Lauren Erickson Van Wart, 44, who was vacationing with her husband at Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort, died Monday after sustaining catastrophic injuries from the attack, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a brief update.

Van Wart, of Lowell, had been paddleboarding with her spouse less than a mile off the shore of the five-star resort on New Providence island when the predator dragged her beneath the surface.

A lifeguard who witnessed the horrifying attack rescued the pair in a boat and brought them back to shore, where CPR was administered to the woman.

However, Van Wart suffered “serious injuries to the right side of her body,” including her hip area and her upper limb, and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

Van Wart’s husband was not injured in the attack.

The couple’s neighbors were devastated by the news.

“Trip of a lifetime, it’s heartbreaking, it really is,” Stack Emerson told CBS News Boston. “Shocking. These poor people, they probably looked forward to this vacation for months.”

Van Wart worked as a math specialist for Curriculum Associates, a Billerica-based company that provides resources for teachers.

“Our team is heartbroken and grieving the loss of a dear and trusted colleague and friend. Lauren was a beloved member of our math editorial team, and she infused her deep dedication to students and educators into every material she touched,” CEO Rob Waldron said in a statement Tuesday.

“Her commitment to excellence and outstanding work was driven by a higher purpose, focused on improving learning outcomes for all. Our Curriculum Associates community is mourning this tragedy and extends our deepest love and support to Lauren’s wonderful husband and all of her family.”

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort confirmed in a statement that Van Wart was a guest at the all-inclusive spot, where standard rooms cost around $600 per night.

It was not clear what type of shark attacked Van Wart, though up to 40 different species call the Bahamas home — including bull sharks, tiger sharks and black tip sharks, which are all known to be aggressive.

Although typically rare, Van Wart’s death marks the second deadly shark attack in the Bahamas in just under two weeks.

Authorities are still searching for a 47-year-old German woman who went missing late last month after she was apparently attacked while diving.

Last year, a shark killed a 58-year-old US cruise ship passenger from Pennsylvania who was snorkeling in the northern Bahamas near Green Cay.

With Post wires