Grandmother’s last 4 words as 11-foot alligator dragged her into lake in front of neighbor

In February 2023, Gloria Serge was walking her Shih Tzu, Trooper, at Spanish Lakes Fairways, a Florida retirement community, when an 11-foot alligator lunged at the dog. Trooper escaped, but the animal caught Serge and pulled her into the lake. Her friend Carol Thomas urged her to swim toward an overturned paddle boat. According to Thomas, Serge replied, “The gator has me!” Thomas tried using a metal pole to strike the animal, but she could not save her. Trooper survived unharmed.

Wildlife officials later captured and killed the alligator. For those who loved Serge, the aftermath brought grief that no official response could ease. Thomas described being haunted by the rescue attempt, questioning what else she could have done. Serge’s son said imagining his mother’s final moments caused “a whole different level of all-consuming grief.” The tragedy also prompted reminders to avoid approaching or feeding alligators and keep a safe distance.