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.