A triathlete described as an “exceptional swimmer” is the missing 55-year-old woman believed to be the victim of a gruesome shark attack off the coast of Monterey, California, The Post has learned.
Erica Fox was participating in a weekly swim with a club called the Kelp Krawlers in Pacific Grove Sunday when the group feared a “large splash” was an attacking shark, KSBW reported.
While the other swimmers all made it back to shore, Fox remained missing.
The search for Fox has since been suspended, though cops didn’t clarify if she was the victim of a shark attack … the investigation continues.
The decision to call off the search was made following a total of more than 15 hours of search operations covering an area of more than 84 square nautical miles.
“She was an extraordinary athlete. When something like that happens it’s either because the water is too cold or a shark. Because she’s such an experienced swimmer I knew what happened,” said a friend and former member of the swim group.
“She was very competitive, did triathlons. She was a very good soul, beat all the guys. She was very competitive.”
Fox’s social media posts show the blond-haired blue blue-eyed athlete crossing triathlon finish lines and wearing medals on podiums.
A post Fox once shared on social media showed a picture of a diver swimming alongside a great white shark.
“This is the most DANGEROUS ANIMAL in the world, and by his side, a SHARK swims peacefully,” the post was captioned.
“The Coast Guard extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones affected by this tragic incident,” said Coast Guard Capt. Jordan Baldueza.
Lover’s Point was the site of another shark attack in 2022. Steve Bruemmer, then 62, was bitten on the leg and would not have survived if it weren’t for two stand-up paddle-boarders who got him back to shore, according to Monterey County Now.
Kelp Krawlers is not an official organization but a “a group of like-minded people” those familiar with the club told The Post. They swam Lover’s Point on a weekly basis.
“She’ll be missed,” said the heartbroken former member.
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