Susan Backlinie, first victim in 'Jaws' film, dead at 77

Susan Backlinie, known for being the first victim to be eaten by the shark in "Jaws," has died at 77. Her husband says it was "very unexpected" and that she died from a heart attack.

"[She] was the most amazing person I've ever met in my life. And I've never loved anybody like her," Swindall said. Caroline Thayer is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Follow Caroline Thayer on Twitter at @carolinejthayer. Story tips can be sent to caroline.thayer@fox.com.

Backlinie earned the role of Chrissie in Steven Spielberg's film not only for her enviable looks, but also because she was a nationally ranked swimmer who had worked as a mermaid and animal trainer after graduating from high school in 1964.

"I didn’t want an actor to do it. I wanted a stuntperson because I needed somebody who was great in the water, who knew water ballet and knew how to endure what I imagined was going to be a whole lot of violent shaking," Spielberg recounted in Laurent Bouzereau's book, "Spielberg: The First Ten Years," per The Hollywood Reporter. "So, I went to stunts to find her, and Susan was up to the challenge."