Wildlife officials in Florida have confirmed they have located and euthanised the 11-foot alligator responsible for the death of a 61-year-old canoeist in a shocking incident last May. The attack occurred on Tiger Creek near Lake Kissimmee State Park.
The Fatal Encounter on Tiger Creek
According to a detailed report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Cynthia Diekema of Davenport was canoeing with her husband on 6 May when the tragedy unfolded. The couple had noticed several alligators during their trip. Ms Diekema reportedly commented they were "about to go right over top of one" moments before their canoe passed directly over the back of an 11-foot, 4-inch alligator.
"The alligator thrashed and tipped the canoe over, and both individuals ended up in the water," explained FWC's Evan Laskowski. Experts believe the animal was startled by the unexpected contact. Brandon Fisher, an alligator expert at Gatorland, told CBS 12: "That spooked that alligator because it doesn’t know what’s going on or what just touched it—and when a gator of that size decides to move, it happens fast."
A Desperate Struggle and Tragic Outcome
Once in the water, the large reptile clamped onto Ms Diekema's midsection. Her husband fought unsuccessfully to free her before the alligator performed a "death roll" manoeuvre and dragged her beneath the surface.
The distraught husband managed to flag down a passing airboater to call for emergency help. Wildlife officers and a licensed trapper subsequently located the alligator believed to be responsible and euthanised it. Ms Diekema's remains were later recovered, though her right arm was never found, according to WESH reports.
Understanding Alligator Risk and Safety
While the incident is deeply tragic, serious unprovoked alligator bites on humans remain rare. Official data shows that between 1984 and 2022, Florida recorded 339 major bites, resulting in 27 fatalities.
Authorities advise the public, especially in known alligator habitats, to adhere to key safety guidelines:
- Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife.
- Keep pets on a leash and away from the water's edge.
- Swim only in designated areas during daylight hours.
The state manages its alligator population through a regulated hunting programme, issuing tags for the removal of animals four feet or longer. For immediate concerns about a nuisance alligator, Florida operates a toll-free hotline: 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
