NYC Woman Killed In Rare Maine Shark Attack

NEW YORK CITY — A New York City woman swimming off the coast of Maine died after being attacked by a great white shark, authorities said.

Julie Dimperio Holowach, 63, is the first confirmed fatality by shark attack in Maine's history, according to the Maine Department of Marine Resources.

"I want to stress that this is a very highly unusual event," said Patrick Keliher, commissioner of Maine's Department of Marine Resources on Tuesday.

Holowach swam with her daughter Monday afternoon near Bailey Island about 20 yards from shore when a shark — later confirmed to be a great white shark — bit her, Keliher said.

Kayakers spotted the attack and helped bring Holowach to shore, where she was pronounced deceased, Keliher said.

Holowach lived in New York City, according to authorities and records. She spent much of her career with VF Corp., which included a stint as president of Liz Clairborne's special markets, according to her LinkedIn page.

WWD reported Holowach served as president of Nautica women's sportswear and Kipling North America.

Former colleagues expressed shock in a WWD report over Holowach's death.

"Her contributions to the industry and the Kipling brand are noteworthy but I believe that she has left a more important legacy in the many coworkers and the friends and family who were all touched by her amazing spirit, her unique and enviable way of leading, mentoring and supporting of others," the reported quoted Maria Vicari-Tralongo, former president of Nautica Apparel. "I am devastated by the sudden loss of my dear friend Julie."

Holowach and her family owned property in Maine and usually spent four to five months there in the summer, Keliher said.

"The individuals were well-known in the community, very active in the community while they were here in the summer months," he said.

The only other confirmed shark attack in Maine waters occurred 10 years ago near Eastport, Keliher said. A porbeagle shark carried out that attack, Keliher said.

The shark that killed Holowach has yet to be found, Keliher said.