Officials lastly observe and kill 11-foot alligator that killed lady after flipping her canoe in Florida in May | EUROtoday

On Jan 11, 2026

Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.

An 11-foot alligator in Florida that killed a 61-year-old canoer close to Lake Kissimmee final 12 months was later discovered and euthanized, based on state wildlife officers.

A report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, obtained this week by ClickOrlando, supplies essentially the most in-depth look but on the surprising encounter that killed Cynthia Diekema of Davenport.

On May 6, Diekema and her husband have been canoeing in Tiger Creek after they encountered an 11-foot, 4-inch alligator.

The couple had seen a number of alligators throughout their voyage and Diekema informed her husband it regarded like they have been “about to go right over top of one,” based on officers.

The canoe handed over the gator’s again, which startled the animal.

Officials found and euthanized the alligator that fatally bit Cynthia Diekema, 61, of Davenport, last year — Officials discovered and euthanized the alligator that fatally bit Cynthia Diekema, 61, of Davenport, final 12 months (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

“The alligator thrashed and tipped the canoe over, and both individuals ended up in the water,” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Evan Laskowski mentioned on the time of the incident.

“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,” Brandon Fisher, an alligator skilled on the Gatorland wildlife park, informed CBS 12 of the findings.

Once the pair have been within the water, the alligator clamped onto Diekema’s midsection, as her husband fought in useless to free her.

The gator then did a “death roll” maneuver and dragged her beneath water.

Fatal alligator bites are rare, and those in alligator-prone waters are advised to keep their distance and swim in designated areas during daylight hours — Fatal alligator bites are uncommon, and people in alligator-prone waters are suggested to maintain their distance and swim in designated areas throughout daytime (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The husband was capable of flag down an airboater to name for assist, and wildlife officers and a trapper later discovered and euthanized the alligator. They seem to have dispatched the animal shortly after the chunk happened.

Diekema’s stays have been discovered, however her proper arm was by no means recovered, WESH experiences.

Serious unprovoked alligator bites on people are uncommon.

Between 1984 and 2022, there have been 339 main bites, leading to 27 deaths.

Those in areas with identified alligator populations are prevented to maintain a protected distance, preserve pets on a leash, and swim in designated areas throughout daytime.

The state of Florida points tags to hunters permitting them to take away gators which are 4 ft or longer.

State officers have a toll-free nuisance alligator hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/cynthia-diekema-alligator-florida-death-b2898179.html