The body of 55‑year‑old triathlete and open‑water swimmer Erica Fox has been recovered off the coast of Santa Cruz County, California, nearly a week after she went missing during a group swim near Lovers Point in Monterey Bay on December 21, 2025.
Fox vanished while swimming with her husband and members of the Kelp Krawlers, a local swim club she co‑founded. Around the time she disappeared, witnesses reported seeing a large shark in the water, and one person said they saw what looked like a human body in the shark’s mouth before it submerged.
Search Efforts and Recovery
An extensive search effort was launched immediately after her disappearance, involving local law enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, and rescue teams, but was suspended after more than 15 hours without success. On December 27, rescue crews recovered a body from the ocean south of Davenport Beach, approximately 25 miles north of where Fox was last seen.
Identification and Response
Family members later identified the remains as Fox’s based on clothing and other evidence. Her husband, Jean‑Francis Vanreusel, confirmed her identity and expressed profound grief at the loss. Fox was known as an experienced and passionate swimmer who had competed in numerous triathlon events and open‑water swimming challenges. Her death is being investigated in coordination with local sheriff’s offices and police departments.
Shark Sighting and Rarity of Attacks
Shark sightings in Monterey Bay are not unheard of, but fatal attacks on humans remain extremely rare. The reported sighting and witness accounts of a shark near the scene have led authorities and the public to consider a possible shark attack linked to her disappearance, though formal confirmation of the exact cause remains part of the ongoing investigation.
Community Impact
The news of Fox’s death has deeply affected the local swim community and her family, who remember her for her athletic spirit and love of the ocean. Many swimmers and friends have shared tributes, reflecting on her passion for the sport and the risks inherent in open‑water swimming. This tragic incident has drawn attention to both the beauty and potential dangers of ocean sports, reaffirming how even skilled swimmers can face unpredictably hazardous conditions at sea.
