Gator Made Death Roll, Dragged Woman Underwater: New Report

POLK COUNTY, FL — The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission has shared new details about a fatal alligator attack in Polk County last month, according to multiple reports.

The 11-foot, 4-inch gator thrashed as a couple unknowingly approached it in a canoe, with the reptile overturning the boat and knocking them into the water at the mouth of Tiger Creek near Lake Kissimmee, on May 6, WESH reported.

The reptile snatched 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema of Davenport, bit her in the torso and after performing a death roll, dragged her underwater, USA Today said.

A death roll is a hunting technique used by alligators, according to AZ Animals. The maneuver is a series of 360-degree rolls that drown the victim

Her husband tried to save her from the gator, but was unsuccessful.

Diekema's body was found later that day by FWC officers and she was pronounced dead, WFLA said.

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After the attack, two 11-foot alligators were also found in the area and removed from the water.

Alligators live in all of Florida's 67 counties, according to wildlife officials on the FWC website.

Florida's rise in inhabited waterfront homes and water-related activities increases the chance of human-alligator interactions, they added.

Residents should keep their distance and not feed alligators, while pets should be on a leash and not near water, wildlife officials said.

Swimmers should solely swim in designated areas during daylight, the FWC said.

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