Florida officials have released new body camera footage from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) depicting the aftermath of a deadly alligator attack in Pinellas County. The video, which shows first responders at the scene last September, documents the events surrounding the death of 41-year-old Sabrina Peckham. According to an FWC report cited by FOX 13, officials responded to McCay Creek where they discovered Peckham’s body near a canal.
Details of the Incident and Response
The released footage captures wildlife officers wrangling the nearly 14-foot alligator using ropes and chains. The video also includes audio of the shot used to "humanely" kill the predator. Following the animal's death, officials cut it open and discovered remains belonging to Peckham inside its stomach. A witness told FOX 13 at the time that he called first responders after seeing a lower torso in the alligator’s mouth.
Peckham was living as a transient near the wooded area where the incident occurred. Her daughter, Breauna Dorris, shared her grief on Facebook and later spoke to FOX 13 at a vigil for her mother. "The past 24 hours have been filled with grief and sorrow and unbearable pain for our family," Dorris wrote in her initial post. She noted that it is believed Peckham was walking to or from her campsite near the creek in the dark when she was attacked by the alligator emerging from the water.
Community Reaction and Safety Measures
In response to the tragedy, Dorris expressed gratitude for the support received during this difficult time. "It's surreal, but I'm super grateful her community can pull together in time like this," she said at the vigil. "It shows we have an amazing support team behind us in times of tragedy." The FWC noted that alligators sometimes use the creek to travel between Ridgecrest Lake and Taylor Lake.
Following the attack, local authorities implemented new safety measures near McCay Creek. Fencing and signs have been installed to deter people from getting too close to the canal. FOX News Digital has reached out to the FWC for additional comment regarding the release of this footage and further details on wildlife management in the area.
