Woman Rescued from 8-Foot Alligator in Florida River Incident

A woman was severely injured by an 8-foot alligator while her husband undertook a daring rescue on the St Lucie River in Florida on July 23, 2023. Amber Perren, a 27-year-old optometrist, was enjoying a day on the water with her husband, Kelby, and their dog when she stepped into the river to rinse her hair. In a shocking turn of events, an alligator attacked, dragging her underwater.

Amber recalled the moment of the attack, stating, “I saw the gator’s head, eye to eye. My mind was to get away, get away. I was just punching his head, and I was trying to run.” As the alligator clamped down on her right arm, her husband sprang into action. He dove into the water, engaged in a fierce struggle to free her from the predator’s grip.

“The gator had a head that was 2 feet long,” Kelby said. “I pulled her back, the gator pulled back, and I pulled her again, and she came loose.” After a harrowing struggle, Kelby managed to pull Amber free from the alligator’s jaws.

Once they reached safety, first responders treated Amber’s injuries at a nearby dock before she was airlifted to a trauma centre. The attack resulted in severe damage to her arm, which included broken bones and a severed radial artery. “The gator got my arm. It broke both bones in my forearm and severed the radial artery,” Amber explained. “My hand was just hanging. I keep saying he’s my hero, and he saved me.”

Despite the traumatic experience, Amber remains positive about her recovery. She has undergone five surgeries, including several skin grafts, and is currently adjusting to using her left hand due to the injuries. “If this showed us anything, it showed us how quickly your life can change in a matter of seconds, so you should go have fun,” she said, expressing her determination to continue enjoying life.

Kelby praised Amber’s resilience, stating, “She’s been optimistic through this whole thing. She’s an impressive woman, and I’m lucky to be her husband.”

In a related note, the alligator involved in the attack was later captured, and Amber has plans to display its skull in her office. This incident comes on the heels of recent reports of another alligator attack in the area, where a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with autism is feared to have died due to a similar encounter, highlighting the potential dangers of wildlife interactions in Florida.

As Amber continues her recovery journey, she emphasizes the importance of cherishing life and the moments that matter most.