American tourist killed with sword-like weapon in Caribbean

Authorities say an American woman was killed on a Caribbean beach with a sword-like weapon.

According to authorities, Georgia resident Jessica Colker was attacked with a cutlass or a machete-like weapon while she was vacationing in Grenada. A WSB-TV reporter tweeted police announced she died from an "extensive skull fracture and asphyxia."

SEE ALSO: Safe found in debris of mansion once owned by Pablo Escobar

Colker worked at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta as a physician's assistant for a pediatric anesthesiologist. Her friend described her as a kind and passionate person.

"She was just a beautiful soul. She was such a great friend," said friend Sara Greene.

NowGrenada.com reports authorities have a suspect in custody who has a criminal history that includes robbery and rape.

More on AOL.com:
Woman forgives car prowler in emotional Facebook message titled, 'What you don't know'
Asians haul out sweaters to cope with sudden cold snap
School mourns 7th-grader who died during basketball practice