61-Year-Old Cynthia Diekema Tragically Killed by Alligator After Canoe Overturns in Shallow Waters of Lake Kissimmee During Afternoon Outing with Husband in Polk County

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A peaceful afternoon on the water turned into a nightmare when 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema of Davenport, Florida, lost her life in a shocking and rare alligator attack on Tuesday. The incident occurred near the mouth of Tiger Creek on Lake Kissimmee, a large freshwater lake well-known for its dense alligator population.

According to officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Cynthia and her husband were canoeing in a 14-foot canoe in approximately two-and-a-half feet of water when they inadvertently passed over a submerged alligator. Without warning, the large reptile thrashed violently, flipping the canoe and sending both occupants into the lake.

In a tragic turn of events, Cynthia landed directly on top of the alligator, which immediately bit her. Her husband, whose name has not been released, attempted to intervene during the attack but was unable to save her. Rescue crews were dispatched quickly, and her body was later located by a Polk County Sheriff’s Office helicopter. FWC officers recovered her remains by boat.

FWC officials emphasized that while alligator attacks are exceptionally rare, they can still occur, particularly during times of increased gator activity. Executive Director of FWC Roger Young expressed deep sorrow over the fatal incident.

“While alligator attacks resulting in fatalities are extremely rare, this tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the powerful wildlife that share our natural spaces,” said Young. “Our heartfelt prayers go out to Cynthia Diekema’s family and friends. This is a devastating loss, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Alligator Involved in Attack Captured

In response to the fatal encounter, contracted nuisance alligator trappers were dispatched to the area. By Tuesday night, they had captured an 11-foot-4-inch alligator believed to be the one involved in the attack. The next morning, trappers recovered another alligator between 10 and 11 feet long in the same general area.

Both alligators were removed for further investigation. FWC officials have said that, based on preliminary findings, the attack does not appear to have been predatory in nature but rather a defensive reaction—possibly triggered by the canoe surprising the animal in shallow water.

Area History and Gator Activity

Lake Kissimmee spans roughly 35,000 acres across Polk and Osceola counties and is known to have one of the highest concentrations of alligators in the state of Florida. The FWC estimates that there are approximately 1.3 million alligators throughout the state.

Incidents involving aggressive behavior from alligators, especially during mating season—typically spring and early summer—tend to be more frequent as the reptiles become more active.

This latest tragedy follows another gator-related incident in the same area earlier this year. In March, a woman kayaking with a group was bitten on the arm by an alligator but survived the encounter.

FWC confirmed that the state’s alligator management program continues to monitor and address such risks. “This year, we increased the allotment for our statewide alligator hunt by 1,000 tags,” Young said. “Along with our Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, we’ve removed up to 15,000 alligators from the wild this past year.”

Staying Safe in Alligator Territory

Following the fatal incident, FWC has reiterated its safety guidance to the public:

• Be vigilant near freshwater and brackish water, especially in natural, undeveloped areas.
• Never swim outside of posted areas and only during daylight hours, when gators are less active.
• Avoid letting pets near the water, as they can attract alligators due to their resemblance to common prey.
• Never feed alligators. Doing so is not only illegal but can cause the animals to associate people with food.
• Dispose of fish scraps properly in designated garbage receptacles, not in the water.
• Report nuisance gators over 4 feet in length that pose a threat by calling the FWC Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286).

The FWC also reminds the public that alligators are a vital part of Florida’s natural ecosystem and are protected under state law. Harassing or killing an alligator without proper permits is illegal.

A Community in Mourning

News of Cynthia Diekema’s sudden and tragic death has deeply shaken the local community in Davenport and beyond. Friends and neighbors described her as a kind-hearted woman who loved nature and often enjoyed outdoor activities with her husband.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident to determine if any further measures should be taken in the area. In the meantime, the FWC is asking for continued caution from residents and tourists alike.

“This heartbreaking incident reminds us of the power and unpredictability of nature,” said Young. “We will continue to evaluate the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and take all necessary steps to ensure public safety.”

As the investigation unfolds, the Diekema family is left grieving an unthinkable loss. Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.