OT - Florida Woman Dies After Alligator Attack

Woody Williams · Post by **Woody Williams** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:14 pm

Friday, July 23, 2004

FORT MYERS, Fla. — A woman who was mauled by an alligator died Friday in surgery to treat an infection caused by the animal's vicious bites.
Janie Melsek, 54, died at Lee Memorial Hospital (search). Doctors said her body simply shut down in response to the infection.

"My mom showed more courage than fear and I could not be more proud of her," said Melsek's daughter, Joy Williams, 29. "She's just absolutely amazed me and our whole community with the fight she put up."

Melsek was attacked Wednesday by a 12-foot, 457-pound alligator as she worked on landscaping behind a home on Sanibel Island (search). The alligator dragged her into a pond, tearing at her right arm so severely that part of it was later amputated.

One of the neighbors who heard her screams was joined by police officers to save her from the reptile's jaws in what was described as a fierce "tug-of-war." Police killed the alligator, which was so large it took six men to lift it to shore.

Since 1973, there have been 13 fatal alligator attacks (search) in Florida

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:19 pm

Since 1973, there have been 13 fatal alligator attacks (search) in Florida

Sad about the death of the woman, but we are not alone on this planet and we are not the only creatures who kill others... we are just more effective.

Woodsman · Post by **Woodsman** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:27 pm

...far too many alligators in Florida! They've gone from near extinction, to living in your backyard in ground pool!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jul 24, 2004 1:30 am

Yep. Time to do some conservation management of the critters.
Afterall, gator tail is a pretty fine table fare, as anyone who's had the chance to eat it can verify.
OPEN SEASON!!

Woodsman · Post by **Woodsman** » Sat Jul 24, 2004 8:18 am

I've had crocodile...tastes like chicken.