Valentine man describes attempt to save woman during shark attack
A Valentine, Nebraska man is making international headlines after trying to save a woman during a shark attack in the Virgin Islands.
By News Channel NebraskaVALENTINE, Neb. - A Valentine, Nebraska man is making international headlines after trying to save a woman during a shark attack in the Virgin Islands.
Ryan Connot was vacationing with his family earlier this month when a relaxing day of swimming and snorkeling at Dorsch Beach turned into a life-or-death emergency.
“We’d been out there snorkeling for several hours, and we were tired. We were going to head home, and get some dinner,” said his wife, Michelle Connot.
As they were packing up, Ryan Connot heard screams coming from the water.
“Out in the ocean, I could hear a lady screaming, ‘Help, help,’” he said.
Michelle Connot said her husband didn’t hesitate.
“He turned to me and said, ‘Someone needs help. I’m going.’ I was like, ‘Yes. You are.’ That’s the kind of person that he is,” Michelle said.
Connot said he did not hear the people shouting “shark” from the beach, but once he reached the woman — about 100 yards offshore — the severity of the situation became clear.
“I got out to her. There was a gentleman from Utah named Christopher who got there a little bit before I did. I was swimming up to him and asked what was going on. He said, ‘Shark attack. The left arm is gone.’ At that moment, I realized that we were swimming in a pool of blood,” Connot said.
The two men worked together to get the woman back to shore.
“I remember the last thing she said was when we were halfway back was we asked what her name was. She said, ‘Arlene.’ After that she didn’t reply back to any of our questions,” Connot said.
The woman was later identified as 56-year-old Arlene Lillis of Minnesota. She was brought back to shore but died from her injuries.
“I hate that a life was lost. I hate that I couldn’t have done anything more to help her. I talked to the wife the day after and asked, ‘What could I have done better? Could I have swam harder. Could I have jumped in the water faster? Could I have put pressure on her while I was out there.’ All of these situations are going through my head. How could I have done better to have her survive?” he said.
Ultimately, Connot said he has come to terms with what happened and remains grateful to be home safely with his family.
“I’ve replayed it almost every day in my head since I got back. I come to the same conclusion. I would do the same thing,” Ryan said.