Mass. man dies in 1st fatal shark attack in the state in 8 decades

WELLFLEET, Mass. — Police say a 26-year-old man boogie boarding off a Cape Cod beach was attacked by a shark and later died at a hospital, the first fatal shark attack in Massachusetts in 82 years.

Wellfleet Police Lt. Michael Hurley said the Revere man died from his injuries following the attack in the waters off Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet. The man’s name was not released.

The man was pronounced dead at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis. Hurley said state police and the Cape Cod District Attorney’s office are handling the investigation.

Officials closed the beach to swimming.

The attack is the first fatal shark attack in Massachusetts since 1936.

A New York man was severely injured Aug. 15 after fighting off a shark off Truro, also on Cape Cod. He is recovering in a Boston hospital.