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Florida Woman Loses Arm in Gruesome Gator Attack
12 Aug
Summary
- A woman lost her right arm below the elbow in a recent alligator attack.
- The attack occurred in the Silver River, Marion County, Florida.
- A 9-foot-8-inch alligator was trapped and removed by officials.
Dina Rae Spann, 58, is recovering at home after suffering a severe alligator attack on Saturday in Florida's Silver River. During the encounter, Spann lost her right arm below the elbow and sustained injuries to her left hand. She reportedly fought to keep the alligator's mouth closed while trying to reach the surface for air.
John Gamache and his father were on their boat when they heard distress calls and witnessed the attack. They rushed to assist, and their boat's presence appeared to deter the alligator, which then released Spann. Gamache used rope as a tourniquet to control the bleeding before transporting Spann and others to a nearby boat launch.
Following the attack, Florida wildlife officials temporarily closed the Silver River to search for the animal. A contracted trapper successfully removed a 9-foot-8-inch alligator on Sunday, after which the river was reopened. Spann's family reported that she is in good spirits despite her injuries.
