Florida woman Cynthia Diekema, 61, was killed by an alligator on a canoe trip on Lake Kissimmee on May 6, 2025. While out canoeing near Tiger Creek with her husband, the couple drifted over an alligator.
Paddling in about 2.5 feet of water the couple likely startled the large alligator who then capsized the canoe, sending both paddlers into the water. An eyewitness account states that Diemekma landed on top of the alligator; Diekema’s husband attempted, unsuccessfully, to fight it off.
Woman killed by alligator while canoeing on Lake Kissimmee
“This is a devastating loss and our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy,” shared Roger Young, Executive Director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in a press conference.
The FWC has launched an investigation into the incident, working with wildlife specialists and biologists as well as the sheriff’s office to understand what happened.
“While alligator attacks resulting in fatality are extremely rare, this tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the powerful wildlife that share our natural spaces,” said Young.
According to FWC public information officer Bradley Johnson the attack was not believed to be predatory in nature, adding that the FWC always encourages the public to keep their distance from wildlife.
“It’s premature to speculate exactly what happened,” shared Young, adding that they do have an eyewitness account of the incident, and that evidence is present to connect the individual alligator to the injuries.
Two alligators including an 11-foot four-inch alligator and an alligator between ten and eleven feet were recovered from Lake Kissimmee by the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP).
Alligator incidents in Florida
This is the second attack of an alligator on a paddler on Tiger Creek in Lake Kissimmee since March, when a woman was bitten by an alligator while kayaking. Generally alligator attacks on paddlers are extremely uncommon in all seasons, however according to Florida Today mating season for alligators in the area runs through June, and alligators are typically more aggressive April through September.
The FWC recommends the following to minimize chances of incidents with alligators:
- People with concerns about an alligator should call FWCs toll-free nuisance alligator hotline at 866-392-4286.
- Keep a safe distance if you seen an alligator
- Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge
- Swim only in designated swimming areas
- Never feed an alligator
Alligators, no swimming. Feature Image: Fox 35 Orlando | YouTube
