Remains of triathlete finally found after shark was spotted with 'human flesh' off beach

Warning: This article contains graphic details of a shark attack which some readers may find distressing.

The remains of a triathlete who vanished during an early morning ocean swim have finally been recovered, following reports of a shark seen carrying what appeared to be human flesh.

Erica Fox disappeared last week while swimming off the coast of California, sparking an extensive search effort and widespread concern. Now, the 55-year-old's father has tragically confirmed that a body recovered from the shoreline belongs to her.

Fox’s remains were found on Saturday afternoon (December 27) on a beach in Santa Cruz County, as Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office revealed that rescue crews recovered a body from the ocean just south of Davenport Beach.

The discovery came one week after Fox was reported missing near Pacific Grove on December 21. At the time, two witnesses claimed they had seen a shark, the Mercury News reports.

Fox is understood to have been taking part in a regular morning swim with a local group when the incident occurred.

Erica Fox, pictured competing in 2009, was confirmed dead by her father James Fox (Erica Fox/Facebook)

A driver waiting at a stop sign close to the beach contacted the US Coast Guard, saying they had seen a shark breach the surface with what looked like a human body in its mouth.

A second witness also saw a shark breach the surface of the water in the same area.

When they became aware of the possible presence of a shark, members of the swim group, known as the Kelp Krawlers, immediately rushed back to shore.

It was only once everyone had regrouped that they realised Fox was missing. Her husband of 30 years, Jean-Francois Vanreusel, was among those who made it safely back to land.

Fellow swimmer Sharon Carey recalled the moment reality set in.

"It started to click that everybody was back on shore but Erica," she told The Mercury News. "I just felt numb. I was hoping that maybe she got out of the water and then decided to walk back.”

Fox was part of a swim group called the 'Kelp Krawlers', and had been out with them in the water the morning of her disappearance (Erica Fox/Facebook)

While Fox’s father, James Fox, confirmed the remains that were recovered were those of his daughter’s. Sergeant Ryan Farotte of the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office told the Daily Mail that authorities 'do not yet have confirmation on an ID'.

Fox was a highly experienced swimmer who had completed two half-Ironman races and competed in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon for nearly two decades.

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