Florida Woman Loses Arm in Alligator Attack
A woman named Dina Rae Spann lost her right arm in an alligator attack while swimming in the Silver River in Marion County, Florida. The incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon as Spann swam with a group of people. She attempted to keep the alligator’s mouth closed as she surfaced for air, explained her son, Zach Guerrina.
Guerrina added that Spann tried to prevent the alligator from biting her legs. She also suffered an injury to her left hand, losing part of her ring finger. Ultimately, doctors amputated her right arm below the elbow.
Spann’s son recounted her efforts to protect herself during the attack.
Nearby, John Gamache and his father were on a boat when they heard cries for help. Gamache described seeing the alligator heading at full speed towards the swimmers.
Gamache acted swiftly, steering his boat towards the group. By the time he arrived, the alligator released Spann, driven away by the boat’s activity. Gamache found Spann clinging to a paddleboard with a severe arm injury. He used a rope to craft a makeshift tourniquet to control her bleeding.
He detailed the injury’s severity, with exposed bones and blood. Despite this, Guerrina noted his mother’s calm demeanor as people assisted her.
After helping other swimmers onto the boat, Gamache transported the group to a nearby boat launch where first responders awaited them. Spann was taken to a hospital and later returned home by Sunday. Her family reported she was in good spirits despite her loss.
In response to the attack, authorities temporarily closed the Silver River, allowing wildlife officials to search the area. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s contracted nuisance alligator trapper captured a 9-foot-8-inch alligator by Sunday. They lifted the river’s temporary closure afterward.
Gamache, who had never before witnessed such an attack at Silver Springs, received gratitude from Spann’s family for his assistance. “It was heartwarming to hear their appreciation and emotions,” he reflected.