On a serene Tuesday afternoon, May 6, 2025, a peaceful canoeing trip on Lake Kissimmee in Polk County, Florida, turned into an unimaginable tragedy for Cynthia Diekema and her husband. The 61-year-old resident of Davenport was enjoying a day on the water with her spouse when their 14-foot canoe unknowingly drifted over a large alligator lurking in the shallow, 2.5-foot-deep waters near the mouth of Tiger Creek. What followed was a violent and rare encounter that claimed Diekema’s life, leaving her family, community, and authorities grappling with the stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the alligator, startled by the canoe passing overhead, thrashed forcefully, causing the vessel to capsize. Both Diekema and her husband were thrown into the water, where chaos ensued. In a harrowing twist, Diekema landed on top of the alligator, which bit her in the struggle. Her husband, witnessing the attack, desperately tried to intervene, but his efforts were in vain. Despite his attempts to save her, the injuries Diekema sustained proved fatal. Authorities later recovered her body with assistance from a Polk County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, which spotted her in the water after an extensive search involving marine units and drones.
The FWC responded swiftly, launching a full investigation to piece together the circumstances of the incident. By Tuesday night, nuisance alligator trappers captured an 11-foot-4-inch alligator believed to be responsible for the attack. As a precautionary measure, a second alligator, estimated to be between 10 and 11 feet long, was removed from the area the following morning. Both animals were euthanized, and biological evidence is being analyzed to confirm their involvement. The agency emphasized that such fatal attacks are exceedingly rare, noting that since 1948, Florida has recorded only 27 fatal unprovoked alligator attacks out of 487 documented bites.
Roger Young, the FWC’s executive director, addressed the public during a press conference in Tampa on Wednesday, calling Diekema’s death a “devastating loss” for her family and the community. He extended condolences and urged residents and visitors to exercise caution in Florida’s natural spaces, where alligators are a common presence. Lake Kissimmee, spanning approximately 35,000 acres across Polk and Osceola counties, is known for its dense alligator population, with estimates ranging from 2,000 to 30,000. Signs posted around the lake warn of “gator-infested waters,” a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in these environments.
This tragedy marks the second alligator attack in the Lake Kissimmee area since March 2025, when a kayaker was bitten on the elbow by an 8-foot alligator in a nearby canal. That incident, while serious, was non-fatal, highlighting the rarity of deadly encounters. The FWC reported that Florida averages about eight unprovoked alligator bites annually, with most requiring medical attention but few resulting in death. The agency has since reiterated safety guidelines, advising against swimming outside designated areas, particularly during dawn and dusk when alligators are most active, and keeping pets and children away from water’s edge.
As the investigation continues, the incident has sparked renewed conversations about coexisting with Florida’s wildlife. Authorities encourage outdoor enthusiasts to remain vigilant, stay informed about local wildlife, and heed posted warnings. For Cynthia Diekema’s loved ones, the loss is profound, and her memory serves as a poignant call to respect the powerful creatures that share Florida’s waterways.