Florida Woman Killed in Alligator Attack During Canoeing

According to authorities, a woman in Florida was tragically killed by an alligator while canoeing on Tuesday afternoon.

The couple was using a 14-foot canoe in approximately 2.5 feet of water at the entrance of Tiger Creek, located near Lake Kissimmee.

“The alligator grabbed her from the canoe. He tried to fight the alligator. We are at the last place he saw her,” officials were quoted as saying.

The canoe unexpectedly drifted across a large alligator.

As reported by officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, “The alligator overturned the canoe, throwing both individuals into the water.”

Cynthia Dekema, 61, from Polk County, fell on top of the alligator. Her husband attempted to intervene but was unsuccessful.

Audio obtained from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office revealed the husband’s frantic efforts during the attack. “The alligator grabbed her from the canoe,” a dispatcher noted. “He tried to fight the alligator. We were in the last place he saw her. He put the paddle here where he saw her last.”

Polk County Sheriff’s Office, along with marine units and alligator trappers, were dispatched to the area.

Wildlife officials announced that a trawler had located an 11-foot-4-inch alligator matching the description of the one involved in the fatal incident, along with another alligator measuring about 11 feet.

Efforts to recover Dekema’s body were made soon after.

The FWC has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the attack.

Roger Young, Executive Director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, called Dekema’s death “a catastrophic loss” during a press conference on Wednesday.

He commented, “While fatal alligator attacks are extremely uncommon, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the power of wildlife that exists within our natural environments.”

In extending condolences, Young added, “Our heartfelt prayers are with the friends and family. This is a heartbreaking loss for all involved.”

This incident marks the second alligator attack in the area since March. Recently, another woman faced an alligator bite while kayaking between Lake Tiger and Lake Kissimmee.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises people not to feed alligators and to maintain a safe distance. It’s recommended to swim only in designated areas during daylight, and to secure pets away from water bodies.