Local News
Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision Under Investigation Following Crash Into Building in Howard County
Authorities in Howard County are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in Columbia on Monday.
Emergency crews responded to the scene at approximately 9375 Gerwig Lane, where a vehicle had crashed into a commercial building, resulting in a partial structural collapse.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered a single occupant inside the vehicle.
Tragically, the individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The identity of the victim has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. Structural engineers were called in to assess the integrity of the building due to the extent of the damage.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by local authorities.
Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Howard County Police Department.
Local News
61-year-old Cynthia Diekema killed by alligator during couple canoe trip in Polk County
Her husband attempted to intervene and rescue her, but the attack proved fatal.
A tragic and rare fatal alligator attack claimed the life of a 61-year-old woman in Polk County, Florida, during a canoeing trip with her husband on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Cynthia Diekema, a resident of Polk County, was canoeing with her husband at the mouth of Tiger Creek near Lake Kissimmee when their vessel drifted over a large alligator in approximately 2.5 feet of water.
Authorities say the animal thrashed violently, causing the canoe to overturn and throwing both occupants into the water.
Officials report that Diekema ended up on top of the alligator during the struggle and was bitten.
Her husband attempted to intervene and rescue her, but the attack proved fatal.
Diekema’s body was later recovered from the water.
FWC confirmed that two large alligators were captured in connection with the incident.
The first, an 11-foot-4-inch specimen believed to have been involved in the attack, was located and euthanized Tuesday night.
A second gator, estimated to be between 10 and 11 feet in length, was captured the following morning as a precaution.
“This is a devastating loss,” said Roger Young, executive director of the FWC, during a press briefing on Wednesday. He emphasized that while fatal alligator encounters are extremely uncommon, the tragedy underscores the importance of respecting Florida’s native wildlife.
In response to the incident, FWC has reiterated safety guidance for residents and visitors: avoid swimming in non-designated areas, especially at dawn or dusk, and keep pets and small children away from the water’s edge.
The investigation remains ongoing.