A father suffered serious injuries while trying to save his 11-year-old son after the boy was attacked by a large alligator in Florida.
The incident happened on June 27 near Nelson Fish Camp in Umatilla, in Marion County, where the child had been fishing from the shore. Reports say the alligator bit the boy, Brodie Terry, and severed his hand.
Brodie, who was visiting Florida from Pennsylvania with his family, was later taken to hospital for treatment, according to information shared by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission through WESH.
In the aftermath of the attack, a GoFundMe was launched for the youngster as more details emerged about his father’s efforts to rescue him. By July 9, the fundraiser had reportedly raised more than $32,000 to help with medical costs, travel expenses and future prosthetic needs.
It said: “Brodie recently experienced a life-altering event when he lost his right hand in an alligator attack while fishing on vacation in Florida. This tragic accident has not only changed Brodie’s life but has also placed a tremendous burden on his family as they navigate the aftermath.”
The fundraiser explained that donations would help with Brodie’s recovery and support the wider family as they dealt with medical and travel costs.
It went on to reveal that ‘every dollar raised will go directly toward supporting Brodie’s recovery’ so that he can get ‘the care and resources he needs to heal and adjust to
his new life’, as well as assisting ‘the family with travel expenses and medical bills’.
A family member, Andrew Raines, told WKMG that the attack happened as Brodie was returning a fish to the water after catching it.
Raines said the alligator suddenly grabbed the boy, prompting his father to leap in and confront the animal.
“Brodie’s father jumped into the water on top of it and tried to pry his mouth open,” Raines said. “The gator rolled, and that’s what ultimately severed Brodie’s hand.”
BBC Wildlife describes the death roll as a technique alligators use to tear prey into smaller pieces and to drag animals underwater.
Support for Brodie quickly grew online. A July 7 update said more than $20,000 had been raised, and that total later climbed past $32,000.
The fundraising page also shared that Brodie’s mood had improved after leaving hospital, helped by the scale of public support.
It said: “I just want to take a moment and thank everyone for their generous donation. We have almost reached $20,000 in just a week and it is absolutely amazing. Not only have your donations helped tremendously, but you sharing the story with friends and family has raised awareness and support throughout the community. Brodie is now home and his spirits have lifted a bit since leaving the hospital especially with the overwhelming support he has recieved. We are extremely grateful for each and every one of you.”
Florida wildlife officials say serious injuries from alligators are rare, but they advise people to keep their distance from any gator, never feed them and be especially cautious around water. Authorities also said the alligator believed to be responsible for the attack was captured and euthanized after the incident.