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Alligator Attack Claims Life of Canoeing Woman in Florida

1/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

An 11-foot alligator killed 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema while she canoeed near Lake Kissimmee in Florida last year.
The canoe tipped over, startling the alligator and causing Diekema's death.
Diekema's husband attempted a rescue but was unsuccessful.
Wildlife officials euthanized the alligator after the attack.
Florida notes fatal alligator bites are rare, with 27 deaths and 339 major bites from 1984 to 2022, and provides tags for hunters to manage populations.

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Story summary

An 11-foot alligator killed 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema while she canoeed near Lake Kissimmee in Florida last year.
The canoe tipped over, startling the alligator and causing Diekema's death.
Diekema's husband attempted a rescue but was unsuccessful.
Wildlife officials euthanized the alligator after the attack.
Florida notes fatal alligator bites are rare, with 27 deaths and 339 major bites from 1984 to 2022, and provides tags for hunters to manage populations.