An 11-year-old boy from Pennsylvania is recovering at home after a traumatic alligator attack in Florida that resulted in the amputation of his right hand. The boy, Brodie, was fishing with his father at Nelson’s Fish Camp near Umatilla, Florida, when the incident occurred.

The Attack

According to Brodie’s relative, Andrew Wright, the two were aware of their surroundings and had seen alligators in the area, but none that were close or posed a concern. However, as Brodie was putting a fish back in the water, an alligator suddenly attacked him, grabbing his arm. His father jumped on the alligator, attempting to pry its mouth open, but the alligator rolled, breaking multiple bones in Brodie’s lower arm and severing part of his hand.

At the hospital, doctors were forced to amputate Brodie’s right hand, which was his dominant hand for sports like baseball and football. Despite the severity of the incident, Brodie remains in good spirits, thanks in part to the overwhelming support he and his family have received on social media. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family, and it has already raised over $17,000 in donations.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission captured and killed the nearly 9-foot alligator believed to be responsible for the attack. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings, especially in areas known to have alligators.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.