A woman was killed by an alligator while canoeing on a lake in Florida.
Officials say the woman was canoeing with her husband on a lake when the boat passed over the alligator. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers could be seen patrolling Lake Kissimmee on Wednesday afternoon.
On Tuesday, at around 4 p.m., wildlife officials say 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema and her husband were canoeing on the lake at Tiger Creek. According to officials, the couple’s 14-foot canoe was traveling in just 2.5 feet of water when they passed over a large alligator. That caused the alligator to thrash, ultimately tipping the canoe over and sending the couple into the water. “She ended up on top of the alligator in the water and was bitten,” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Major Evan Laskowski said. “Her husband attempted to intervene, but was unsuccessful.”Cynthia Diekema’s body was eventually spotted Tuesday by a Polk County Sheriff’s Office helicopter and later recovered by wildlife officers. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says it’s the second attack at Lake Kissimmee since March. “While alligator attacks resulting in fatalities are extremely rare, this tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the powerful wildlife that share our natural spaces,” Roger Young, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, added. “We remain committed to public safety, while also balancing our wildlife resources.” Campers near the lake say the incident was tragic and they’re well aware of the dangers alligators pose, especially now during mating season. “I’ve been living here for 40-some odd years, and everybody knows you don’t get in no pond, no lake,” camper Taylor Stokes said. “I look twice before stepping into the bathtub. My heart goes out to the family, tragic accident.” Officials with the wildlife commission say trappers captured an 11-foot-4-inch alligator and another one that was between 10 and 11 feet following the incident.Parents of decapitated baby awarded $2.2 million against doctor after autopsy photos posted onlinePensacola Beach woman charged in fatal motorcycle crash, FHP says Mobile FBI confirms 37 arrested following immigration raid at new Gulf Shores High School construction siteDistinguished Young Women’s Community Night sets stage for national weekend competition
Attack Gator Florida Polk County
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