A Florida woman was attacked and killed by an alligator while canoeing with her husband on Lake Kissimmee on Tuesday.
Cynthia Diekema, 61, and her husband were canoeing in just 2.5 feet of water when they passed over the alligator.
The reptile thrashed, tipping the couple’s 14-foot canoe, sending them into the water.
“She ended up on top of the alligator in the water and was bitten,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Major Evan Laskowski.
“Her husband attempted to intervene but was unsuccessful.”
Diekema’s body was located by a Polk County Sheriff’s Office helicopter and recovered by wildlife crews.
“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,” said Roger Young of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
“We remain committed to public safety, while also balancing our wildlife resources.”
