Wildlife authorities in Florida have released a new report on a vicious May alligator attack that saw a Michigan woman lose her life.
61-year-old Cynthia Diekema was killed while canoeing with her husband near Lake Kissimmee State Park when they unknowingly approached an 11-foot, four-inch alligator lurking beneath the surface, a report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) says, per KETV.
FWC stated that the alligator thrashed underneath the canoe, and that caused the pair to fall into the water.
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“The victim was immediately bitten on the torso, and efforts by her husband to assist her were unsuccessful,” according to the report. “The alligator performed a death roll and swam away with the victim.”
Hours later, FWC alligator trappers caught the alligator, even though the harm was already done.
As it released the report, FWC announced a new partnership with GatorWise, described as “a new public awareness campaign that aims to promote realistic public perceptions about alligators and assist the public in taking appropriate actions to minimize conflict,” to aid Floridians navigate the waters during the summer, when alligator attacks become more common.
“Florida has seen tremendous population growth in recent years, with many people living or recreating near water,” Matthew Nichols, FWC alligator management program coordinator, said of the partnership. “Because alligators can be found in nearly any water in Florida, it’s safest to always assume they’re present. GatorWise provides consistent, science-based information from across the Southeast to help people safely share the landscape with these important animals.”
The wildlife authority says there are an estimated 1.3 million alligators in Florida, and FWC’s 2025 statistics indicate that there have been two “major” alligator bites through May, with one resulting in death.
This year, there have been no “minor” bites, and Florida authorities advise that families be careful around such water bodies during the summer.
In 2024, there were a total of 11 bites, nine considered major and two minor, with no fatalities, per The Post.
In 2023, there were 23 alligator bites, 18 major and five minor, with two fatalities.
