Fatal Shark Attack Victim From PA Was Mother, University Employee

PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania woman who was attacked and killed in a shark attack in the Bahamas has been identified as 58-year-old Caroline DiPlacido, a university employee and mother of three who was on vacation with her family.

DiPlacido, a native of Millcreek Township in Erie County, was a project coordinator for Gannon University's Office of Community and Government Relations, working on neighborhood revitalization projects in Erie.

"Caroline was a powerful presence of kindness and friendship to colleagues, students and the wider community and cherished many family ties to Gannon," the university said in a statement. "The news is devastating, and she will be missed."

RELATED: Shark Attack Leaves PA Woman Dead In The Bahamas

DiPlacido had arrived to the popular tourist area of Green Cay on the Royal Carribean cruise ship Harmony of the Seas on Tuesday morning. She was snorkeling in the waters northwest of Rose Island at around 3 p.m. when she was attacked by a bull shark, local police said in an updated public brief late Wednesday.

Two local tour operators as well as her family tried to rescue her, but police said they were "unsuccessful."

As of early Thursday, police had kept the area closed off to the public. It's not the first time sharks have fatally struck in the Rose Island area. A 21-year-old California woman was killed there in June 2019. Another fatal attack occurred in the area in Dec. 2020.

Police said that visitors should stay close to the shoreline when visiting, and should avoid swimming alone, as that makes them a clearer target for sharks. When other fish or turtles behave uncharacteristically, authorities warn it could be a sign that a shark is nearby, and visitors are urged to leave the area calmly but swiftly.

Back home in Pennsylvania, friends, family, and coworkers paid their tribute to DiPlacido.

"Let us remember Caroline with affection and hope," the university added in their statement.

The school also held a prayer service which was attended by more than 100 people, GoErie reports.