A tragic incident occurred in Antigua just before the holidays, where a former Wisconsin store owner and local television gardening expert, Karen Johannsen, was attacked. On December 19, 2025, Johannsen, 66, was reportedly hit on the head by an unidentified male suspect while on a horseback riding tour on the island. This assault resulted in serious head injuries for Johannsen, who was promptly taken to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for treatment. Despite receiving medical care, Johannsen passed away on December 26, 2025.
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has a suspect in custody who is assisting with the ongoing investigation into the incident. The police expressed condolences to Johannsen’s family and loved ones in a press release following her death. It is unclear whether Johannsen was a resident of the Caribbean island or was visiting at the time of the attack.
Johannsen’s social media posts indicated her occasional travels to the island. In one post from October, she shared a photo of herself relaxing on a beach chair with a tropical drink, captioning it with gratitude for the beautiful day in paradise. Johannsen’s presence on social media showcased her love for nature and gardening, a passion she also shared with Wisconsin locals through her appearances on News 3 Now’s “Green Gardener” segment.
Johannsen, along with her siblings, managed the family business, Johannsen’s Greenhouse, in Madison, Wisconsin. The business, established by their father in the late 1950s, was known for providing gardening tips and facts about plants. Despite the closure of the greenhouse in 2013, Johannsen’s contributions to the gardening community were significant and memorable.
In the wake of Johannsen’s tragic passing, the community mourns the loss of a beloved gardening expert and TV personality. Those with information related to the incident are urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department or the Crime Stoppers anonymous hotline. Additionally, resources are available for those struggling or in crisis, such as the 988 helpline or the website 988lifeline.org. Johannsen’s legacy as a passionate gardener and community figure will be remembered by many.
