09.07.2026 00:00
A traditional fishing trip with his father in Florida turned into a nightmare for 11-year-old Brodie Terry. While trying to release a fish he caught back into the water, the young boy was attacked by an alligator. He survived thanks to his father's life-risking struggle, but despite doctors' best efforts, Brodie's right hand could not be saved.
11-year-old Brodie Terry, who was fishing with his father in Florida, was attacked by an alligator when he tried to release a fish back into the water. The young boy, who survived thanks to his father's life-risking struggle, lost his right hand.
11-year-old Brodie Terry, who had traveled from Pennsylvania to Florida with his father for a traditional fishing vacation, is continuing his treatment after a terrifying alligator attack. The incident occurred on June 27 at a fishing camp in Umatilla, Florida.
ATTACKED WHILE RELEASING THE FISH
According to family spokesperson Andrew Wright, when Brodie bent down to release the fish he caught with his fishing rod back into the water, an alligator about 2.6 meters (8 feet 7 inches) long suddenly emerged from under the water and attacked the boy's arm. Wright said, "The alligator appeared out of nowhere. No one saw it."
FATHER JUMPED ON THE ALLIGATOR
Hearing his son's screams, the father jumped from the dock without hesitation, got on top of the alligator, and tried to pry its jaws open. However, the alligator performed its "death roll" move, used to tear apart prey. During this, many bones in Brodie's arm were broken, and his right hand was severely damaged.
Andrew Wright said, "To be honest, Brodie's father saved his life. The alligator couldn't pull him from the dock into the water. If it had, the outcome could have been much worse."
DOCTORS COULDN'T SAVE THE HAND
Brodie, taken to the hospital, underwent consecutive surgeries. Although doctors made intense efforts to save his hand, his right hand was amputated from the wrist due to the severity of the injury. After completing treatment, the young boy was discharged and returned to his home in Pennsylvania with his family.
ALLIGATOR NEUTRALIZED
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced that the 2.6-meter alligator, identified as connected to the incident, was captured and neutralized after the attack. Officials warned that alligator attacks are rare, but citizens should be cautious near water, avoid approaching wild animals, and swim only in safe areas.
WANTS TO RETURN TO SPORTS AND FISHING
In a fundraising campaign started by his family, it was noted that Brodie's greatest passions are fishing, baseball, and American football, and that the young boy has maintained high spirits despite the challenging ordeal. His family stated that he will receive both physical and psychological support throughout the long rehabilitation process.