Woman Killed by Alligator After Falling Out of Canoe on Tiger Creek, Near Lake Kissimmee
By Space Coast Daily // May 8, 2025
Husband tried to save WIFE during surprise encounter on Lake Kissimmee
POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA — A tranquil afternoon canoe trip ended in tragedy Tuesday when a Polk County woman was killed by an alligator in a rare and violent encounter on Tiger Creek, near Lake Kissimmee.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) identified the victim as 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema.
She and her husband had been canoeing through shallow waters—estimated at just two and a half feet deep—when their vessel drifted over a large alligator.
According to FWC officials, the startled reptile thrashed violently, capsizing the canoe and throwing both occupants into the water.
Diekema was thrown directly onto the animal, officials said. Despite her husband’s immediate attempt to rescue her during the sudden attack, she was bitten. Her body was recovered later that day.
“This is a devastating loss,” said Roger Young, executive director of the FWC, during a Wednesday press conference. “While deadly alligator attacks are extremely rare, this tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the power and unpredictability of Florida’s native wildlife.”
An 11-foot-4-inch alligator matching the attacker’s description was captured Tuesday night. As part of the investigation, a second large alligator—measuring between 10 and 11 feet—was captured Wednesday morning.
The FWC continues investigating the incident and is working to confirm which of the two reptiles was involved.
Officials stressed that while attacks are uncommon, precautions should be taken when recreating near water in Florida. These include keeping pets from shorelines and swimming only during daylight hours in designated areas.
