The afternoon of May 6, which promised tranquility on the waters of Lake Kissimmee, Florida, turned into a nightmare for Cynthia Diekema and her husband Dave. The couple, who were canoeing, was caught off guard by a crocodile measuring more than three meters in length that, according to the official report, “thrashed” upon the passing of the vessel and violently charged. CiberCuba reported on the tragic incident shortly after it occurred.
Initially, it was reported that both fell into the water, but now, a new report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sheds light on what happened and reveals how the alligator, after biting the woman in the torso, executed a “death roll,” a lethal technique used by these reptiles, and swam away with her, while her husband desperately tried to intervene, reveals People.
According to WESH, an affiliate of NBC, which recently obtained a new report from officials, the alligator was "submerged in about 2.5 feet of water" and thrashed when the canoe passed over it, causing the couple to fall into the water.
"The victim was bitten immediately on the torso, and her husband's efforts to help her were futile," the authorities wrote, according to WESH. "The alligator performed a death roll and swam away with the victim."
The tragedy occurred near the mouth of Tiger Creek, in Polk County. The authorities found Cynthia deceased shortly after. The alligator, deemed "nuisance," was captured by a hired specialist.
“He tried to save her, but was unsuccessful”, acknowledged Major Evan Laskowski from the FWC. “She ended up on top of the alligator in the water, and that triggered the attack”.
Cynthia was originally from Paw Paw, Michigan. She is survived by her husband, two sons, and two grandchildren. Her family remembers her as a woman who "radiated inner and outer beauty" and who "deeply loved every moment shared."
Caimans in Florida: coexisting with a latent threat
Although alligator attacks are not common, more than 1.3 million of these reptiles live in Florida. According to data from the FWC, there have been two serious bites reported so far in 2025, one of which cost Cynthia her life.
In 2024, there were 11 attacks (nine severe), with no fatalities. In 2023, 23 bites were reported, resulting in two deaths, according to a report from The New York Post.
Population growth and urban expansion into areas near water have increased encounters between humans and alligators. For this reason, the FWC has launched GatorWise, a new public awareness campaign to promote 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, coordinator of the alligator management program. “GatorWise provides scientific information to help people coexist with these important animals.”
Among the recommendations from the GatorWise website are:
- Do not feed the alligators or throw food into the water.
- Keep pets on a leash and away from the edges.
- No swimming outside designated areas or at night.
- Do not attempt to lift or touch an alligator.
Alligators are native to the southeastern United States. They are essential for the ecological balance of wetlands. However, their presence requires caution, especially during warm seasons like summer, when more attacks are reported.
This episode shocks many residents of Florida. Beyond the statistical data, the image of a man who gave everything to save his wife deeply resonates with those who understand the meaning of love, family, and the sorrow of an unexpected loss.
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