Woman killed by alligator in Central Florida lake in ‘defensive incident,’ FWC says

A woman lost her life in an alligator attack Tuesday afternoon at Lake Kissimmee State Park, according to wildlife officials.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced in a news conference Wednesday the incident happened near the mouth of Tiger Creek on Lake Kissimmee, located between Polk and Osceola counties.

The woman and her husband were canoeing in a 14-foot canoe in 2 and a half feet of water when they passed over an alligator. The animal thrashed and tipped over the canoe, leaving both of them in the water. 

FWC Southwest Regional Commander Major Evan Laskowski said the woman, who has been identified as 61-year-old Davenport resident Cynthia Diekema, ended up on top of the alligator in the water and was bitten. Her husband attempted to intervene but was ultimately unsuccessful.

Officials said they found an 11-foot alligator Tuesday night that matched the size description of the alligator involved in the incident. On Wednesday, they found another, approximately 10 to 11 feet long.

Lake Kissimmee is the second-most alligator-populated lake in the state, according to The Ledger’s report deriving FWC data. However, officials say alligator attacks such as this one are rare in Florida.

“This was not believed to be a predatory incident, but just simply a defensive incident where they came upon the alligator beneath the water’s edge and when the canoe struck it, it caused a reaction,” FWC Officer Bradley Johnson said.

The FWC’s investigation into the attack is ongoing.

Alligator mating season gets into full swing from May to June, according to the FWC. It’s not uncommon for alligators to be especially active or found in places they don’t belong during this time.

The FWC says people concerned about an alligator can call their Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-Gator (866-392-4286). A gator is generally considered a nuisance if it is at least 4 feet in length; if it is believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property; or if it is found somewhere it should not be, such as a swimming pool, home, garage, etc.

The University of Florida released a study in April that found that the number one cause of alligator attacks in Florida is “risky human behavior.” Researchers recommend avoiding entering bodies of water or areas where alligators are known to live.

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This article appears in May 7-13, 2025.