The accident happened when the couple’s canoe passed over a large alligator, causing it to thrash and throw them out of the boat.

The deadly accident happened near the mouth of Tiger Creek on a Tuesday afternoon, when the couple’s canoe passed over a large alligator.

Florida woman Cynthia Diekema, 61, was killed by an alligator on a canoe trip on Lake Kissimmee on May 6, 2025. While out ...

While rare, alligator attacks can happen. Here are five ways to stay safe around alligators in Florida waters.