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Alligators are a common sight in Florida, and if you’re engaging in any activities on the water, you have to proceed with caution. A tragic incident was highlighted recently after it was reported that a woman was attacked and killed by a massive gator while she was canoeing with her husband on a lake in South Florida.
The news was recently shared on TikTok by user elninobrah, who informed viewers of the dangers of water-related activities that are infested with alligators. The video features recorded footage of a gigantic alligator on the lake’s bank. The woman in the clip records it as it rises and swims back into the lake. “Oh my god,” she can be heard saying. It is believed that she recorded the video seconds before the gator attacked her.
People React To Massive Alligator Allegedly Killing Woman in Florida
In a short clip, TikToker elninobrah shares more information about the incident that occurred on May 6, 2025. The woman who was attacked and killed was identified as 61-year-old Cynthia, who was out paddling across Lake Kissimmee in Florida with her husband, Dave.
The TikToker details how everything was seemingly fine: beautiful weather, calm water, and only two and a half meters deep. In the footage that is not shared, presumably because it is too graphic, it is claimed that the alligator knocks into the canoe and flips it. Both Cynthia and Dave find themselves thrown into the water, and “that’s when the nightmare begins,” TikToker elninobrah claims.
The gator attacked Cynthia, and despite Dave’s best efforts to save her, she died. The comment section of the post has been filled with remarks about the situation. But some people have also expressed doubt about the veracity of the story. “So the alligator uploaded the footage?” a commenter wrote. “That alligator is so big, it looks like AI,” another person shared.
Many people believe that if the water had been shallow, the couple would have had a chance of escaping. Others feel engaging in an activity in waters infested with gators is never a good idea. “I will never understand why u would go in a tiny unprotected canoe in a lake where a monster like that is known to be in the area and has the power to flip them,” a commenter reacted.
Did an Alligator Kill a Woman In Florida?
The story is true and was reported by several news outlets. According to CBS News, the attack happened at Tiger Creek into Lake Kissimmee, which is located South of Florida. “The alligator thrashed and tipped the canoe over. Both individuals ended up in the water,” FWC Maj. Evan Laskowski said of the incident. “She ended up on top of the alligator in the water and was bitten. Her husband attempted to intervene but was unsuccessful.”
The woman has been named as Cynthia Diekema of Davenport, Florida. The news outlet confirms that it was also the second incident to occur in that area, as another woman was bitten on her elbow while kayaking in an attack that occurred in March.
