TRAGIC NEWS: Shark Attack at OBX Water Banks Claims Lives of Raleigh Actress Liz Vassey and Local Officials
In a shocking and heartbreaking incident that has rocked the Outer Banks community and beyond, a deadly shark attack at Water Banks Beach in the OBX has claimed the lives of three individuals, including beloved Raleigh-born actress Liz Vassey. The attack occurred late Saturday afternoon, during what should have been a peaceful beach outing that quickly turned into a nightmare.
Eyewitnesses describe a scene of panic and horror as swimmers near the southern stretch of Water Banks Beach began screaming and scrambling toward the shore. Lifeguards responded within minutes, but the ferocity of the attack left little room for rescue. Among the victims was 51-year-old Liz Vassey, known for her roles in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The Tick, and numerous other television series. Vassey had been in the area for a small regional film festival and was enjoying a rare moment of relaxation with friends and local officials when tragedy struck.
Also killed in the attack were two local government figures: Dare County Parks & Recreation Supervisor Jeremy Dalton, 43, and OBX Environmental Liaison Sarah Mills, 38. Both were respected members of the community and had been working on new coastal safety and preservation initiatives. Ironically, they had met earlier that day with wildlife experts to discuss marine life activity along the Outer Banks.
Marine biologists have confirmed the culprit was likely a great white shark, roughly 12–14 feet in length, based on bite radius and forensic examination. While shark sightings are not unheard of in OBX waters, attacks — especially fatal ones — are extremely rare. This incident marks one of the deadliest shark-related events in North Carolina history.
The beach was immediately closed and will remain so indefinitely as officials launch a full investigation and implement emergency safety measures. Drones, patrol boats, and shoreline monitoring teams have been deployed to scan for increased shark activity in the region. Officials are also working with the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries and NOAA to assess whether changing water temperatures, food supply patterns, or human behavior may have contributed to the encounter.
Tributes for Liz Vassey have poured in from across the entertainment industry. “Liz was a radiant soul — kind, talented, and passionate about her craft,” said actor George Eads, her former CSI co-star. “She loved the water, and she loved North Carolina. I’m devastated.”
Local communities across the Outer Banks held a candlelight vigil Sunday night, lining the beach with lanterns and placing flowers along the dunes in honor of the victims.
“This is a time of profound grief for all of us,” said Mayor Todd Walker of Kill Devil Hills. “We’ve lost neighbors, friends, leaders, and a woman whose talent brought pride to our state. We are mourning together.”
The tragedy is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the need for continued vigilance, even in beloved, familiar places. For now, the waters of OBX are still, marked by absence and mourning.
