Florida Woman Killed in Alligator Attack During Spring Mating Season

A Florida woman, Cynthia Diekema, 61, lost her life in a tragic alligator attack on May 11, 2025, while canoeing with her husband near Tiger Creek in Lake Kissimmee. The canoe overturned in shallow water, and witnesses reported seeing Diekema's husband struggling to fight off the alligator. "It was a horrific scene," said one witness who asked to remain anonymous. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed the incident and is investigating. The incident highlights the dangers of alligator encounters, particularly during the spring mating season when alligators are more active. In 2024, there were 339 major alligator bite incidents in Florida, 27 of which were fatal. While such incidents are rare, they underscore the need for caution and awareness when recreating in areas where alligators are present. The FWC offers safety guidelines for avoiding alligator attacks, emphasizing maintaining a safe distance and never feeding alligators.