snorkelling

Allison Dyck, one of the latest boating accident victims in the Bahamas is described by family and friends as “a beacon of hope and inspiration”.

Dyke 38, visiting from Washington, was snorkeling with her spouse on Pink Sands Beach in Harbor Island on June 22. She was struck by a boat and died in the hospital from the injuries.

Friends say the woman who had a career with the US Department of State and had recently purchased a new home, had a “warm spirit and kind heart.”

“Her death has left a deep void in the hearts of her family and friends.”

Henry Gendt, her friend and business partner organized a fundraiser, “Helping Allison’s Dream Live On,” to assist the legal efforts and to further Dyck’s dream of starting a philanthropy.

Gendt’s goal was to raise $15,000 but it was stalled pending family consultation.

“Allison was well-loved by all she knew and was a brilliant woman who will be fondly remembered for her warmth, beauty, loving nature, loyalty, humour, creativity, athleticism and culinary skills,” the family said.

She was a marathon runner and a traveler.

If you saw or may have footage of the incident, you are asked to contact the police at 502-9991. The family’s local advisor can be contacted at 554-3983.

Condolences, memories, and information about the incident could be emailed to infoallisonbahamas@gmail.com.

The Pennsylvania woman killed in the Bahamas by a bull shark is Caroline DiPlacido, a faculty member of Gannon University, a private Catholic university in Erie.

DiPlacido, 58, was a project coordinator in government relations at the university where she was described as “a powerful presence of kindness and friendship to colleagues, students, and the wider community.”

She graduated from Gannon in 1986 and was hired in 2009 as a secretary in marketing and communication, and was responsible for enhancing the university’s relationship with the community.

DiPlacido was vacationing with her family in the Bahamas onboard the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas Cruise when they booked an independent excursion off Rose Island, a popular snorkeling site for tourists.

While snorkeling, a bull shark attacked and she was bitten in the upper extremities of the body. She was rushed ashore by her family and the tour operator, but later died of her injuries.

Campus Chaplain Rev Michael Kesicki said, “The news is devastating and she will be missed.

“Let us remember Caroline with affection and love. We pray for Caroline as she crosses over to eternity.”

She is survived by her husband David, children–Robert and Allison, and her mother Olivia.

The Erie campus held a prayer vigil on Wednesday afternoon in her honor.