A tragic accident unfolded Tuesday afternoon in Florida, turning a peaceful canoe trip into a fatal encounter with an alligator. 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema, a Polk County resident, lost her life after a surprise attack at the mouth of Tiger Creek, near Lake Kissimmee.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Diekema and her husband were paddling in approximately 2 1/2 feet of water when their canoe inadvertently drifted over a large alligator. The reptile reacted aggressively, capsizing the canoe and throwing the couple into the water. Diekema reportedly fell on top of the alligator, sustaining fatal bites.
Her husband attempted a desperate rescue, but sadly, Diekema succumbed to her injuries. Authorities recovered her body following the incident.
The FWC launched an immediate investigation, resulting in the capture of two alligators in the area. A 11.2-foot alligator matching the description of the attacker was retrieved Tuesday evening. A second alligator, measuring between 9.8 and 10.8 feet, was captured Wednesday morning.
FWC Executive Director Roger Young expressed deep sorrow over Diekema’s death, calling it a “devastating loss.” While acknowledging that fatal alligator attacks are exceedingly rare, he emphasized that this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent power of local wildlife.
To mitigate the risk of dangerous encounters, the FWC strongly advises the public to keep pets away from water’s edges and to only swim in designated areas during daylight hours. This tragic event underscores the importance of respecting Florida’s natural environment and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety.
