Husband Tried to Save His Wife After Alligator Attack. Instead Animal ‘Swam Away with the Victim': Report
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to an alligator encounter in Polk County on May 6, before a 61-year-old woman was "later found deceased and recovered from the water"
"The victim was immediately bitten on the torso," according to a newly released FWC report obtained by local outlet WESHA bull alligator in Florida bit a woman in the torso before it "performed a death roll" during last month's fatal attack off Lake Kissimmee, according to a new report.
On May 6, around 4:02 p.m. local time, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to an alligator encounter near the mouth of Tiger Creek in Polk County.
The woman, who has since been identified as 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema, was canoeing with her husband when they encountered the reptile and both fell into the water, the FWC later shared.
The 11-foot, 4-inch alligator then bit Diekema and pulled her into the water before she was "later found deceased."
According to NBC affiliate WESH, which recently obtained a new report from officials, the alligator was "submerged in approximately 2.5 feet of water" and thrashed when the canoe passed over it, causing the couple to fall in the water.
"The victim was immediately bitten on the torso, and efforts by her husband to assist her were unsuccessful," officials wrote, per WESH. "The alligator performed a death roll and swam away with the victim."
The Polk County Sheriff's Office and FWC officials responded to the scene, along with a "contracted nuisance alligator trapper," who removed the reptile from the water, according to the FWC.
A spokesperson for the FWC directed PEOPLE to submit a public records request to obtain the incident report. According to WESH, the incident remains under investigation.
"The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time," the agency said in a statement last month.
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During a previous news conference, FWC Major Evan Laskowski confirmed that Diekema — from Davenport — "ended up on top of the alligator in the water" as her husband "attempted to intervene" but was unsuccessful.
The FWC encourages Floridians to follow "precautionary measures" near alligators, including keeping a safe distance, keeping pets on a leash, swimming in "designated swimming areas during daylight hours" and not feeding them.
According to statistics from the agency, the state recorded 487 unprovoked alligator bites on humans — 27 of which resulted in fatalities — from 1948 to 2024.
Diekema was from Paw Paw, Mich., and is survived by her husband Dave, two children and two grandchildren, per her obituary.
"She radiated her inner and outer beauty in all she did and had unconditional love for everyone," the obituary read. "She cherished her family and every moment and adventure they spent together."
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