Florida Woman Survives Alligator Attack in Silver River

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Florida Woman Survives Alligator Attack in Silver River

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A woman was severely injured in an alligator attack on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in the Silver River in Marion County, Florida. The 58-year-old victim, identified as Dina Rae Spann, was swimming with a group when a 9-foot, 8-inch alligator bit her arm and pulled her underwater.

Bystanders quickly intervened. Paddleboarder Mike Head heard cries of “Gator!” and paddled towards the scene, attempting to strike the alligator with his paddle. Another boater, John Gamache, and his father, who were eating lunch nearby, also responded to the commotion. Gamache used a rope as a tourniquet to help stop the bleeding from the woman’s arm. The boaters then transported the injured woman and others to shore, where first responders took her to a local hospital. She underwent a traumatic right-arm amputation but is now recovering at home.

Following the incident, officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and a contracted nuisance alligator trapper responded to the area. On Sunday, August 9, 2026, a 9-foot, 8-inch alligator was located and removed from the river. The Silver River was temporarily closed during the investigation and search, reopening to the public later that Sunday. The FWC emphasizes that serious alligator injuries are rare in Florida and encourages anyone with concerns about an alligator to contact their Nuisance Alligator Hotline.

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