Entrance to Wekiva River in Seminole COunty, Florida.
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Florida Fish and Wildlife officials say the alligator that seriously attacked Rachael Lilienthal, 37, on the Wekiva River Saturday afternoon, was killed.
Fire Rescue officials say that Lilienthal — who was bitten in the torso and suffered a lower arm amputation below the elbow — was swimming by herself in a busy area when she decided she wanted to go to a more remote area of the river. Not long after, officials say, she felt something grab her arm and pull her under the water.
Lilienthal was reportedly pulled under the water repeatedly — so much so, she lost track — and felt her arm break from the bite. Wildlife officials said kayakers came to Lilienthal’s rescue and were able to fight off the alligator using their paddles. Lilienthal was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center. Florida Fish and Wildlife officials confirmed they located, identified and trapped the alligator around 12:30 a.m. Sunday. The alligator has been euthanized.
