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Okeechobee County Teen Wins Fight With Gator But Loses Arm

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The Associated Press

Published: June 25, 2008

OKEECHOBEE - A teen attacked by an 11 1/2 -foot alligator managed to get away with his life but lost his arm.

A sheriff's office report said Kasey Edwards, 18, was hanging out with friends on Nubbin Slough in Okeechobee County on Sunday afternoon when he decided to swim across a 25-foot-deep canal.

Halfway through the swim, an alligator clamped down on Edwards' left arm. Edwards says he fought back by grabbing buoy line and not letting go. He then poked the animal in the eye to get free.

As Edwards started to swim away he saw that his left arm was missing about 4 inches above the elbow. He was able to swim back toward his friends, who pulled him to safety.

Edwards was taken to a Melbourne hospital for treatment, where he was listed in fair condition Monday night.

"It's a very surreal feeling, you know, feeling like you're about to die here, and you know, praying to God," Edwards said. "I have to give all the credit to God for keeping me out there."

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