Ex-Issaquah nanny dies after losing arm in shark attack

Jana Lutteropp, 20, of Germany, lost her arm in a shark attack while vacationing on Hawaii on Aug. 14 after she had spent a year working as an au pair in Issaquah, Wash. She died of her injuries Wednesday. (Photo: Jana Lutteropp blog)



MAUI, Hawaii (FOX Hawaii) -- A 20-year-old German woman and former Issaquah, Wash., nanny whose arm was bitten off by a shark in Maui a week ago died of her injuries Wednesday.

The attack happened Aug. 14 while Jana Lutteropp was snorkeling about 50 yards off White Rock Beach in Makena, Maui. She was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition, where she was placed on life support.

(Lutteropp's personal blog said she had spent a year working an an au pair, or nanny, for a family in Issaquah before going to Hawaii for a three-week vacation. She was planning to return to Germany Sept.11.)

Jutta Lutteropp and Julia Broeske, mother and sister of Jana Lutteropp, issued the following statement:

"Jana fought hard to stay alive. However, we are sad to say that she lost her fight today. Jana was a very beautiful, strong, young woman who was always laughing, and we will forever remember her that way. We appreciate all the support from the Maui community, as well as the prayers and thoughts from around the world and in Germany. We especially want to thank the wonderful caregivers and everyone at Maui Memorial Medical Center."

It’s not known what type of shark bit Lutteropp.

Hawaii state officials say witnesses didn’t see the shark.