Law & Crime

Wisconsin Horseback Tour Operator Karen Johannsen Dies After Attack During Antigua Beach Ride

January 2, 2026

Karen Johannsen, 66, a horseback tour operator living in Antigua, was struck in the head during a Runaway Beach trail ride on December 19, 2025.
She suffered major head trauma, broken bones and a fractured jaw, and was initially treated at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre in Antigua.
Johannsen was airlifted to the United States and died at the University of Wisconsin Hospital on December 26, 2025, authorities said.
Police have taken a man into custody; they have not identified him or announced charges while the investigation continues, and officers seek tips.

ST. JOHN'S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA — Karen Johannsen, a 66-year-old horseback tour operator from Madison, Wisconsin, has died after police said she was struck in the back of the head while working in Antigua.

Attack Reported on Runaway Beach

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda said Johannsen was on a horseback riding tour on Runaway Beach on the morning of December 19, 2025, when a man struck her in the back of the head with an unknown object. Authorities said she suffered serious head injuries.

Johannsen shared beach photos from Antigua in the months before the attack, according to her social media posts.

Johannsen was taken to a hospital in Antigua for treatment. Police said she was later airlifted to the United States for further care.

Died After Treatment in Wisconsin

Authorities said Johannsen died on December 26, 2025, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital after succumbing to her injuries.

Emergency responders and medical personnel attending to Johannsen after she was struck during a trail ride on Runaway Beach.

Local reporting in Antigua described her injuries as extensive, including major head trauma, broken bones, and a fractured jaw.

Suspect in Custody, Charges Not Announced

Police said a man was taken into custody. Authorities have not publicly identified him or announced formal charges as the investigation continues.

Johannsen’s sister, Lyn, told Wisconsin media the man in custody is Johannsen’s former boyfriend. Police have not publicly confirmed that relationship.

Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre in Antigua where Johannsen was first treated before being flown to the U.S.

Background

Johannsen was the daughter of the former owners of Johannsen’s Greenhouse, a longtime Madison-area business, according to Wisconsin reporting. She had been living in Antigua and regularly shared beach and horseback photos on social media.

Police asked anyone with information about the case to come forward.

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