Florida alligator attack kills Michigan woman, new safety campaign launched
Florida wildlife authorities have recently released a chilling report detailing a tragic alligator attack that claimed the life of a Michigan woman. Cynthia Diekema, 61, was enjoying a canoeing trip with her husband near Lake Kissimmee State Park when they unknowingly came into contact with an 11-foot, four-inch alligator lurking beneath the water’s surface, as reported by KETV.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the massive alligator suddenly thrashed beneath the couple’s canoe, causing them to be thrown into the water. Tragically, Diekema was immediately attacked on the torso by the vicious reptile, and despite her husband’s brave efforts to save her, the alligator performed a death roll and swam away with the victim.
FWC alligator trappers were later able to capture the culprit responsible for this devastating incident. In response to the attack, FWC has announced a new partnership with GatorWise, a public awareness campaign aimed at promoting realistic perceptions about alligators and providing guidance to help Floridians minimize conflicts with these creatures, especially during the summer months when such attacks are more common.
With an estimated 1.3 million alligators in Florida, FWC’s statistics for 2025 show two major alligator bites through May, one of which was fatal. Last year, there were a total of 11 alligator bites, with nine considered major and two minor, resulting in no fatalities. In 2023, there were 23 reported alligator bites, 18 major and five minor, leading to two fatalities.
The GatorWise campaign offers essential tips for safely navigating Florida’s waters, including always assuming alligators are present, refraining from feeding them, avoiding discarding fish or food scraps in the water, refraining from attempting to handle or pick up an alligator, and ensuring pets are kept on a leash near shorelines.
The website emphasizes the importance of educating the public about alligators, fostering respect for these animals and their natural behaviors, and promoting coexistence between humans and alligators to maintain a stable population within their natural habitat.
As Floridians continue to enjoy the state’s abundant waterways, it is crucial to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines to prevent potentially dangerous encounters with alligators. The tragic loss of Cynthia Diekema serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting these powerful creatures and taking necessary precautions when venturing into their territory.
