Canoeing Turns Deadly When Alligator Kills Woman in Florida Lake

She was Canoeing with Her Husband When the Attack Occurred

A woman tragically lost her life after an alligator attacked her during a canoe ride with her husband in central Florida on Tuesday afternoon, 6 May 2025, officials confirmed.

The couple was paddling near Tiger Creek, where it meets the western part of Lake Kissimmee in Polk County.

Passed a Gator, Both Husband and Wife Thrown into Water

According to reports, she was attacked just after 4 p.m., as they passed over a resting alligator in the two-foot-deep shallow water.

It then reacted, tipping their canoe, and both the woman and her husband were thrown into the water.

While her husband survived, the woman was bitten by the alligator, dragged under the water, and was later found dead.

Woman Identified as Cynthia Diekema

On Wednesday, 7 May 2025, authorities identified the victim as Cynthia Diekema, a 61-year-old woman from Davenport, Florida.

She had been sitting in the front of the canoe and ended up directly on top of the alligator in the water when it attacked. Her husband tried to help but was unable to stop the attack.

A Polk County Sheriff’s Office helicopter later spotted her in the water, and officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) brought her body back to shore by boat.

Gator Caught and Euthanized After the Attack

A trapper then responded and located the alligator. It measured at 11 feet and 4 inches in length. The animal was later euthanized, NBC South Florida reported.

Public Urged to Stay Cautious During Gator Season

In response to this incident, FWC Executive Director Roger Young expressed his sorrow and stated that they are still investigating the circumstances.

FWC Executive Director Roger Young. Photo courtesy of LinkedIn

He stated that while fatal alligator attacks are uncommon, this tragedy shows just how unpredictable and powerful wildlife can be.

He also pointed out that alligator activity tends to pick up during certain times of the year. He urged the public to remain alert and maintain a safe distance from wildlife.

Watch the video here:

@nbcsouthflorida

Wildlife officials have identified a woman who was killed in an alligator attack while she was canoeing with her husband in Florida. The husband and wife were canoeing in approximately two feet of water when they passed over the alligator, which thrashed and tipped the canoe. They both fell into the water and the 11-foot, 4-inch gator bit the woman and pulled her under, officials said. #kayak #alligator #kissimmee #husbandwife

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