Susan Backlinie, an actress and stuntwoman who played the first person eaten by the shark in Jaws, has died.

Backlinie passed away at home in Ventura, California, on Saturday. She was 77 years old.

Matthew Templeton, her convention agent, told The Daily Jaws that the news was true.

“It is with heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved Susan passed away this morning,” he said.

“We want to thank everyone who sent their condolences at this time.

“Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

She was best known for her role as Chrissie Watkins in Steven Speilberg’s 1975 movie Jaws.

It was when she was 28 years old that the nationally ranked swimmer and professional diver played the victim of skinny-dipping.

For a while, Backlinie worked with animals and water before the movie found her.

The stunt woman worked as a mermaid at Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs tourist attraction and had done work with many wild animals, such as a tiger and a bear.