Florida Woman Loses Arm in Alligator Attack in Silver River

A woman has been identified as the victim of a recent alligator attack in Florida, which resulted in the loss of her right arm. Dina Rae Spann was attacked while swimming in the Silver River, Marion County, on a Saturday afternoon.

Spann, age 58, attempted to keep the alligator’s mouth shut as she tried to surface for air, according to her son Zach Guerrina. Guerrina shared with news sources that Spann’s main concern was to prevent the alligator from damaging her legs. During the struggle, she also injured her left hand, losing part of her ring finger, and her right arm was later amputated below the elbow.

John Gamache, a frequent visitor to the Silver Springs area, and his father intervened during the attack. While having lunch on their boat, they heard calls for help. Gamache noticed an alligator moving rapidly toward the swimming area. Upon reaching the site, he observed that the alligator had already released Spann, possibly due to the disturbance caused by the approaching boat.

Gamache helped Spann, who clung onto a paddleboard with her injured arm, by creating a makeshift tourniquet from boat rope to control the bleeding. Describing the severity of the injury, Gamache noted the visibility of bones and extensive bleeding, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Guerrina remarked on his mother’s calm demeanor despite her injuries. After assisting other swimmers onto his boat, Gamache and his father transported the group to a nearby boat launch where emergency responders awaited.

Following the attack, authorities temporarily closed the Silver River for a search by wildlife officials. A contracted alligator trapper captured a 9-foot-8-inch alligator, and the river reopened shortly after.

The incident, unparalleled in Gamache’s experience at the river, prompted the victim’s family to express gratitude for his aid. Spann’s family reached out to him, sharing their feelings and appreciation for his timely assistance, which was an uplifting experience for him.

Despite her injuries, Spann returned home by Sunday and maintained a positive outlook, as reported by her family.