Alligator Attack in Florida: New Revelations About Tragic Incident Involving Woman

A serene afternoon on May 6 at Lake Kissimmee, Florida, quickly descended into chaos for Cynthia Diekema and her husband Dave. While the couple was peacefully canoeing, a massive alligator over ten feet long suddenly attacked, causing havoc as it lunged at their boat. According to the official report, the reptile became agitated as the canoe passed overhead. The details of this tragic event were initially reported by CiberCuba shortly after it happened.

Initially, it was reported that both Cynthia and Dave fell into the water. However, a recent update from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sheds more light on the incident. It reveals that the alligator bit Cynthia on the torso and performed a "death roll," a deadly maneuver typical of these creatures, before swimming away with her. Her husband’s attempts to rescue her were in vain, as People magazine reports.

According to WESH, an NBC affiliate that obtained the latest report, the alligator was "submerged in about 2.5 feet of water" and became disturbed when the canoe crossed over it, leading to the couple's fall. "The victim was immediately bitten in the torso, and her husband's efforts to help were unsuccessful," the authorities stated, as per WESH. "The alligator executed a death roll and swam away with the victim."

This tragic encounter happened near the mouth of Tiger Creek in Polk County. Cynthia was found deceased shortly after. The alligator, deemed a "nuisance," was captured by a hired specialist. "He tried to save her, but it was futile," said Major Evan Laskowski of the FWC. "She ended up on top of the alligator in the water, triggering the attack."

Cynthia, originally from Paw Paw, Michigan, is survived by her husband, two children, and two grandchildren. Her family remembers her as someone who "radiated inner and outer beauty" and "deeply cherished every shared moment."

Living with Alligators: A Persistent Threat in Florida

While alligator attacks are not a daily occurrence, Florida is home to more than 1.3 million of these reptiles. According to FWC data, there have been two serious bites in 2025 so far, one of which tragically took Cynthia’s life. In 2024, there were 11 attacks (nine serious), but no fatalities. In 2023, there were 23 bites, with two resulting in death, as reported by The New York Post.

The growth of the human population and urban expansion into water-adjacent areas have increased human-alligator encounters. To address this, the FWC has launched GatorWise, a public awareness campaign aimed at promoting safe coexistence with these animals. "Since alligators can be found in almost any body of water in Florida, it's safest to always assume their presence," warned Matthew Nichols, the alligator management program coordinator. "GatorWise offers scientific information to help people share the environment with these significant animals."

The GatorWise website advises:

• Do not feed alligators or throw food into the water.
• Keep pets on a leash and away from the water's edge.
• Do not swim outside designated areas or at night.
• Never attempt to lift or touch an alligator.

Alligators are native to the southeastern U.S. and play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of wetlands. However, caution is necessary, especially during warmer periods like summer when attacks are more frequent.

This incident has deeply affected many Florida residents. Beyond the statistics, the image of a man doing everything possible to save his wife resonates profoundly with those who understand the true meaning of love, family, and the pain of an unexpected loss.