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Tragic Alligator Attack Claims Life of Woman in Lake Kissimmee

The tranquil atmosphere of Lake Kissimmee, a popular canoeing destination in Florida.

News Summary

A tragic alligator attack in Lake Kissimmee State Park has claimed the life of Cynthia Diekema, a 61-year-old woman from Davenport, Florida. The incident occurred while she was canoeing with her husband on May 7, 2025. After their canoe capsized upon encountering a large alligator, Diekema was bitten and subsequently drowned. Local authorities captured two alligators in response to the attack, one matching the description of the assailant. The community is mourning the loss of a beloved member while authorities remind residents of the importance of caution around wildlife during mating season.

Lake Kissimmee, Florida – Tragic Incident Claims Life of Canoeing Woman

A tragic alligator attack in Lake Kissimmee State Park resulted in the death of 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema from Davenport, Florida, while she was canoeing with her husband. The unfortunate incident occurred on Tuesday, May 7, 2025, at approximately 4 p.m. in an area where Tiger Creek meets Lake Kissimmee in Polk County, located south of Orlando.

While paddling in about 2.5 feet of water, Diekema and her husband passed over a large alligator, prompting a thrashing reaction that caused their canoe to overturn. Both individuals fell into the water after the canoe capsized. Diekema landed directly on top of the alligator, resulting in her being bitten. Her husband made an attempt to rescue her but was unable to do so as the alligator pulled Diekema underwater.

Emergency responders later recovered Diekema’s body from the water. The alligator involved in the incident was estimated to be 11 feet 4 inches long. In the aftermath, two alligators were captured by nuisance alligator trappers that evening; one matched the description of the one that attacked Diekema, while the other measured approximately 10 to 11 feet in length.

Investigation and Authority Response

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) indicated that the incident is not believed to have been a predatory attack. Instead, it was described as a defensive reaction from the alligator, which aligns with behaviors commonly observed during the alligator mating season that lasts from early April to June. Mating season is known to increase alligator activity and aggression, raising the likelihood of encounters with humans.

Alligator attacks on humans are rare, with an average of approximately eight unprovoked bites reported in Florida each year over the past decade. Despite a state alligator population exceeding one million, such incidents remain extremely uncommon. Just two months prior to this event, in March 2025, another woman was attacked by an alligator while kayaking in the same area, leading to injuries that required hospitalization.

Community Reaction

Diekema’s death shocked local residents who remembered her as a kind and friendly member of the community. FWC Executive Director Roger Young expressed condolences to her family and emphasized the necessity for public caution concerning alligator interactions.

Currently, authorities have not confirmed whether the alligators captured following the incident will be euthanized. This sad event follows a troubling pattern of serious wildlife-related incidents in Florida, including a recent bear attack in Collier County that resulted in another fatality.

As the investigation continues, the community grieves the loss of a cherished neighbor and friend, while authorities remind citizens to remain vigilant around wildlife, especially during the heightened activity associated with mating seasons.