Coroner Confirms Shark Attack Killed Swimmer Erica Fox

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff has confirmed that Erica Fox, the 55-year-old swimmer who went missing in the waters of Pacific Grove, CA, was killed by a shark.

In the latest update, authorities confirmed: “[the] Corner's Office has determined the cause of death to be sharp and blunt force injuries and submersion in water due to a shark attack. The manner of death has been ruled an accident.”

The species of shark responsible has not been disclosed. However, this exact spot has experienced shark attacks in the past, and great whites are known to roam the area.

Fox was swimming with a group she founded, the Kelp Krawlers, on December 21st, 2025, when she went missing from the others. There were reports of a large splash, and shark sightings. According to a responding member the U.S. Coast Guard:

“The person who reported the shark sighting claimed they saw a shark breach the water with what appeared to be a human body in its mouth. They then witnessed the shark submerge below the waterline without resurfacing.

“I can confirm that there was a reported sighting in the area, however we cannot necessarily correlate this sighting with the missing person as there is no confirming evidence of that.”

Fox’s body was later recovered on December 29th, 2025 in Santa Cruz County, south of Davenport Beach. According to her husband, Jean-Francois Vanreusel, she was identified by a Garmin watch and an electromagnetic shark deterrent still attached to her leg.

As mentioned, there were previous shark encounters and attacks at the very same spot. In May of 2022, another swimmer, Steve Breummer, was bitten by a great white shark at Lovers Point; he survived but sustained serious injuries. Then, in August of 2022, David Stickler was paddleboarding with his dog onboard at Lovers Point, when a shark chomped his board. He, and his dog, also survived.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Erica Fox. Rest in peace.