A quick swim to cool off ended in horror when a giant gator took a young hiker's arms

A 31-year-old woman died after the attack on the river, marking the third alligator encounter in the area in a week.

A peaceful day in nature can change in a single second. For one group of friends, a simple splash in the water became a fight for survival.

WHAT HAPPENED

A 31-year-old woman died on her way to the hospital after a massive gator attacked her in a Florida state forest. She was hiking with her boyfriend and her best friend about 20 miles from Orlando.

The group stepped into the shallow water of the river around 1:30 p.m. to cool down. Suddenly, the gator struck, pulling the woman under and tearing off both of her arms.

Her boyfriend desperately fought the beast and managed to drag her to the shore with the help of her friend. He called 911 while trying to save her, but her injuries were too severe.

FACT BOX

1:30 p.m.* — The time the attack occurred.

• 31 — The age of the woman who died.
• 2 — The number of large gators found at the scene, measuring 12 feet and 13 feet.
• 3 — The number of gator attacks in central Florida in a single week.
• April to June — The gator mating season when they are most active.

WHY IT MATTERS

Florida is home to many wild animals, but fatal attacks like this are very rare. However, gators become much more protective and active in the spring during their mating season.

This tragedy is a warning to hikers and swimmers to stay out of fresh water, especially during warm months.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

State officials closed the trailhead where the attack happened. They are running DNA tests on the two captured gators to find which one was involved.

Wildlife officers will continue to monitor the area to keep other hikers safe.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

What is the identity of the 31-year-old woman who died?

• Which of the two captured gators attacked her?
• Will local parks put up more warning signs near the river trails?