A woman in Florida was attacked by an alligator while swimming in the Silver River, Marion County, last Saturday. Dina Rae Spann, 58, lost her right arm due to the vicious encounter.
According to her son, Zach Guerrina, Spann was swimming with others when the alligator attacked. She struggled to keep the reptile’s mouth shut while attempting to reach the surface for air. Guerrina mentioned that Spann was focused on ensuring the alligator did not target her legs.
Spann also lost part of her ring finger on her left hand during the incident. The alligator’s grip resulted in the amputation of her right arm below the elbow.
John Gamache, a regular visitor to Silver Springs, was nearby on a boat with his father when they heard cries for help. Gamache saw the alligator moving rapidly towards the swimmers. He quickly approached in his boat, which seemed to scare the alligator away. By the time he reached the group, the animal had released Spann.
Once there, Gamache found Spann clinging to a paddleboard with a severe arm injury. He fashioned a tourniquet from a rope on his boat to help control the bleeding. Gamache described the injury as ‘terrible,’ emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Despite her grave condition, Spann remained calm as assistance arrived.
After assisting other swimmers onto his boat, Gamache took them to a nearby boat launch where first responders awaited. Spann was then transported to a hospital. By Sunday, her family reported she was home and in positive spirits, despite her injury.
Following the attack, authorities temporarily closed the Silver River as wildlife officials searched the area. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported the capture of a 9-foot-8-inch alligator on Sunday. After the capture, officials lifted the river’s closure.
Gamache remarked on the unusual nature of the attack, noting it was beyond anything he had witnessed there before. Spann’s family later reached out to thank him for his help, expressing their gratitude.
The incident underscores the unpredictable risks posed by wildlife interactions in natural water bodies. Visitors to such areas should remain vigilant and prioritize safety.