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Mum's Arm Dangling After Horrific Alligator Attack
6 Nov
Summary
- A woman's arm was reportedly dangling after a severe alligator attack.
- Emergency calls captured the terrifying moments following the mauling.
- A 9ft 8in alligator was removed from the river the day after the incident.
A distressing 911 call captured the horrifying moments after a 58-year-old woman, Dina Spann, suffered a severe alligator attack. The incident occurred on August 8 in Florida's Marion County during a family boating trip.
During the savage encounter, Spann's right arm was reportedly left "dangling off" and she lost part of her left ring finger. A woman is heard yelling in the 911 call, "Somebody got bit by an alligator, I think her got bit - it's dangling off." Another caller stated, "Her arm is gone."
Spann bravely fought back, attempting to hold the alligator's mouth shut and prevent it from attacking her legs. John Gamache, a bystander, witnessed the attack, describing a cloud of blood and panicked swimmers. He managed to reach Spann, apply a tourniquet, and help bring her and other swimmers to safety.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission removed a 9ft 8in alligator from the Silver River the day after the attack. Spann was hospitalized but has since been discharged. She later shared images of her amputated arm below the elbow and missing finger, stating, "The gator got a piece of me. It didn't get the best of me."
