Karen Johannsen, a 66-year-old American horseback tour operator from Madison, Wisconsin, tragically died on December 26 after a brutal assault while leading horseback riding tours on Runaway Beach in Antigua. She suffered catastrophic injuries, including a massive head injury, fractured jaw, and broken bones, which left her on life support with no hope of recovery. Police responded to the attack on December 19 and have a man in custody for questioning, identified by Johannsen’s family as a former boyfriend.

Johannsen was well-known in Antigua’s tourism community and frequently shared updates about her tours on social media, reflecting her deep connection to the island. The government of Antigua and Barbuda expressed condolences to her family, recognizing her contributions to the local tourism industry. Authorities continue to investigate the homicide and have urged anyone with information to come forward.