The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission released new details about a May 6 fatal alligator attack near Tiger Creek that killed 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema. The couple's canoe struck an 11-foot, 4-inch alligator, capsizing their boat; the alligator bit Cynthia, temporarily released her, then bit again, performed a death roll and swam off. Responders recovered her body about 20 minutes later; the attacking alligator was captured and euthanized the same evening. A coroner listed the cause as 'multiple blunt force injuries from an alligator' and ruled the death an accident.
New FWC Report: Husband Saw Wife’s Torso in Alligator’s Jaws After Canoe Strike Near Tiger Creek
D.L. Miller Funeral HomeCynthia K. Diekema
New details have emerged about a fatal alligator attack on May 6 near the mouth of Tiger Creek in Polk County, Florida, that claimed the life of 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema.
What Happened
According to an incident summary from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) obtained by PEOPLE, Cynthia and her husband, David, were paddling an 11-foot plastic canoe that had departed earlier from Lake Kissimmee State Park. At about 4:02 p.m., their canoe struck an alligator resting on the shallow creek bottom, causing the boat to capsize and both occupants to fall into the water.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation CommissionA canoe that was involved in a fatal alligator attack on May 6, 2025, in Florida's Tiger Creek
The FWC report states the 11-foot, 4-inch alligator bit Cynthia and pulled her beneath the surface. David told investigators he saw his wife’s torso in the animal’s mouth and attempted to free her for several minutes but was unable to do so.
Rescue Attempt and Recovery
During the struggle, David said Cynthia appeared conscious but could not speak and had a bewildered or 'puzzled' expression. At one point the alligator whipped its tail and knocked David off his feet, then momentarily released Cynthia before biting her again. The alligator performed a death roll and swam away with her.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation CommissionAn alligator killed a woman who was canoeing with her husband in Florida on May 6, 2025
David lost his phone in the incident, bailed water from the canoe and paddled north through Tiger Creek to Lake Kissimmee, where a Good Samaritan in an airboat rescued him. FWC and emergency crews recovered Cynthia’s body roughly 20 minutes into the search; she was pronounced dead at the scene. The attacking alligator was captured and euthanized that evening at about 7:30 p.m.
Autopsy and Investigation
A coroner's autopsy documented numerous injuries, including amputation of Cynthia’s right arm below the shoulder. The preliminary cause of death was recorded as 'multiple blunt force injuries from an alligator,' and the manner of death was ruled an accident. FWC investigators returned the next day to look for other potentially dangerous alligators in the Tiger Creek area; one additional alligator was removed, and no other animals were tied to the attack.
Family And Agency Response
Cynthia, a resident of Paw Paw, Michigan, is survived by her husband David, two children and two grandchildren. Her obituary described her as someone who 'radiated her inner and outer beauty' and cherished family adventures. The FWC issued a statement extending 'its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim' during this difficult time.
Details above are based on the FWC incident summary released to PEOPLE via a public records request.
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