There has been a recent release of information regarding a horrible alligator assault that occurred in Florida last month and resulted in the death of a woman.
The wife was killed when a big alligator snatched her and dragged her under fresh water in Central Florida, according to state investigators. The alligator tipped over a canoe that contained a married couple who were on board.
According to Polk County, the assault took occurred close to the mouth of Tiger Creek, which is located close to Lake Kissimmee.
Hailee Seely, a spokesman for the southwest district of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), stated that the woman was carried beneath after being bitten by an alligator that measured 11 feet and 4 inches in length.
Cynthia Diekema, 61, a resident of Polk County and a part of the Lakeland-Winter Haven metropolitan area, was killed in the attack that took place on May 6.
The following is a list of the events that occurred on the day of the attack, according to the officials, including material from a newly received preliminary report.
“Carried out a death roll and swam away with the victim from the scene.”
Officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported alligator incident that included individuals in the creek on May 6 at just after 4 p.m. local time.
The preliminary inquiry revealed that the victim was canoeing with her husband when they “encountered an alligator, causing both individuals to fall into the water.” This was in accordance with the findings of the investigation.
According to a preliminary report that was acquired from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the wife “was immediately bitten on the torso,” and her husband’s attempts to assist her were fruitless.
“The alligator performed a death roll and swam away with the victim,” Seely added, adding that the body of the alligator’s wife was eventually discovered and rescued.
The alligator that had kidnapped the woman’s canoe was put to death.
The alligator that was responsible for the attack was captured by a nuisance alligator trapper who was contracted by the state. The alligator was then “dispatched,” which means that it was killed, according to the officials.
On the 26th of June, officials stated that the investigation into the attack was still ongoing.
“She radiated her inner and outer beauty,” Cynthia Diekema used to say when she was remembered.
Officials have stated that Cynthia Diekeman is originally from Davenport. Lakeland-Winter Haven is a metropolitan region that includes the city, which is located in Polk County as well.
“She radiated her inner and outer beauty in all she did and had unconditional love for everyone,” according to her funeral announcement. “She cherished her family and every moment and adventure they spent together.”
Her husband of 41 years, Dave, her children Jessica (Matt) Henry and Megan (Casey) Straka, and her two grandchildren, Elena and Jack Henry, are among the people she leaves behind following her passing.
Can you tell me what to do if you come across an alligator?
The following preventative practices are recommended by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in order to lessen the likelihood of encounters with alligators in or near water.
- Keep a safe distance from an alligator if you come across one.
- Maintain a leash for your pets and keep them away from the water’s edge. It is common for pets to resemble the natural prey of alligators.
- The hours between dusk and dawn are when alligators are most active. If you swim, you should do so during daylight hours in any of the designated zones. It is not safe to swim with your pet.
- Avoid giving food to an alligator. It violates the law and poses a risk.
For those who have concerns about an alligator, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission can be reached at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
