Cause of death for swimmer found in Santa Cruz County beach revealed by coroner

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Friday, January 9, 2026
Cause of death for swimmer found in Santa Cruz Co. revealed by coroner

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KGO) -- The cause of death for a swimmer who went missing days before Christmas in Santa Cruz County has been revealed.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff Coroner's Office determined Erica Fox died from both sharp and blunt force injuries, and submersion in water due to a shark attack.

PREVIOUS STORY: Firefighters recover body from waters in Santa Cruz Co. just days after swimmer reported missing

Fox disappeared December 21, during a group swim off Lovers Point in Pacific Grove.

Witnesses spotted a shark in the water, and a large splash.

Her body was found a week later.

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