India – Lauren Failla, 25, died while snorkeling off India’s Andaman Island on April 28 when the saltwater crocodile clamped its jaws on her leg and pulled her under. It was two days later when her body found dead.
Lauren, who was from New Jersey, USA, flew to India with her unnamed boyfriend to celebrate completion of her master’s degree at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. Friends of Lauren said that going to that island is not planned.
Professor Jos Hackforth-Jones, of Sotheby’s Institute of Art, described her as “an outstanding student” and “a vibrant, warm-hearted individual”. Her Aunt Sally Brantley said: “Lauren was full of energy and full of love. We loved her very much and miss her terribly.” This was very painful for her family because her sister died in a rock climbing accident in 2006 aged 24.
Her relatives have questioned why the island’s authorities did not put any warning signs. Cousin Gloria McLean said: “If there had been proper warnings that there are man-eating crocodiles nearby I am sure Lauren would not have risked swimming.”
Lauren is not only smart but also a talented artist and a soprano singer.
On May 15,a church concert will be held at St. Peter’s Parish Episcopal Church in Morriston, N.J., where she is a choir member.
FYI, Saltwater Crocodiles are the largest living crocodile – in fact they are the largest living reptiles.
Giant Crocodile Mate Out in the Wild