'I Shouldn't Be Alive': FL Man Mauled By 12-Foot Gator

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — A Florida man is recovering from serious injuries sustained in a recent alligator attack.

JC La Verde of Tampa suffered bite severe wounds to his head, face and chest while shooting an instructional video in Lake Thonotosassa on Aug. 3 for his company, DefeatX, according to his family.

"All I felt was scales, teeth and then right there I'm like okay. So, what I think I did, what I felt like I did, was that I immediately tried to open its jaws because I knew I was in a gator," La Verde told ABC Action News.

Drone video from his company captured the frightful encounter as La Verde struggled to escape the alligator's jaws. As his life flashed before his eyes, he fought the large gator with all his strength.

Video of gator attack:

"When I felt the teeth, I immediately knew, and then as I opened it I knew that I either turned it or it turned me, but it was confused just as I was confused, and then it just let go," he told the TV station.

As soon as the gator released him, La Verde said he was able to escape, make it to land, and contact Hillsborough County Emergency Services for help. He was then rushed to Tampa General Hospital under Trauma Alert criteria, where he underwent a 6-hour surgery to repair and reconstruct the damage to his skull and jaw, according to a GoFundMe page organized for him.

"JC is a man who has dedicated his entire life to helping others. He has always chosen a path of selfless and meaningful service committing his entire life to service. First serving his country in the United States Air Force Pararescue and now proudly serving the City of Oldsmar as a firefighter/paramedic," said Kenney Ceron, who set up the online fundraiser.

La Verde's wife has been actively posting updates of her husband's recovery on Facebook. She said she remains in awe of his perseverance.

"He is a walking miracle and God has blessed him and us by helping him to survive this attack. I love you and thank you for always inspiring those around you and thinking of others when the unthinkable was happening to you," his wife, Christine, posted to Facebook. "I’m so proud of you for telling you’re story in a true authentic way. Please continue to share and pray for us as we are continuing on his road to recovery."

According to family and friends, La Verde is back home recovering. Despite the long road ahead of him, they say La Verde is obviously a fighter who plans to make a full recovery.

"We are back at home and trying to figure out our new norm. He is truly resilient and God has a plan for him. The nurses and doctors were amazing throughout this whole journey," his wife said.

JC La Verde Video: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all."

As of Thursday, his GoFundMe page has raised more than $53,000. To donate, click here.