Florida man who survived alligator attack caught on drone video: ‘I shouldn’t be alive’

TAMPA, Fla. — A Florida firefighter and paramedic is recovering after he became the center of his own emergency.

Two weeks ago, ABC affiliate WFTS reports J.C. La Verde was shooting an instructional video for his company when he was attacked by a 12-foot alligator as he swam in Lake Thonotosassa, near Tampa.

Drone video shot from overhead captured La Verde’s brush with death. As soon as he realized he was inside a gator’s mouth, he said he tried to open its jaws.”When I felt the teeth, I immediately knew,” La Verde said, “And then as I opened it, I knew that I either turned it or it turned me. But it was confused, just as I was confused, and then it just let go.”

He swam to the dock, hoisted himself up and was driven to the hospital by a good Samaritan. He even called 911 himself to explain what happened.

“I am not going to put extra stress on somebody that is already driving a bloody man somewhere,” he said. “Like if I can ease that load off of this lady…”

La Verde underwent an emergency six-hour surgery and will need another in the future. He now must wear a helmet to protect the right side of his head.

“If people want to see this any other way than a legit miracle, it’s silly of you,” La Verde said. “I shouldn’t be alive.”

Sitting alongside his wife, he shared this message: “Find your God. Find Him. It’s silly. I get that that’s scary I do, but life is a scary place, so you can carry that load by yourself or have someone carry it for you.”

Related Posts

Melania Trump Draws Attention for Outfit Choice at White House Governors’ Dinner

A formal evening at the White House unexpectedly turned into a style debate the moment Melania Trump stepped into the East Room. On February 21, 2026, Donald…

A Leaked Image Triggers Widespread Reaction Amid Coverage of Hillary Clinton’s Testimony

A closed-door deposition involving Hillary Clinton was briefly halted this week after a photograph taken inside the hearing room began circulating online, raising concerns about confidentiality and…

Figure Skating Star Dies after she was struck by … See more

🕊️ Tragedy in Val Rendena: Young Skating Talent Remembered A quiet community in Val Rendena is mourning the loss of 15-year-old Matilda Ferrari, a promising figure skater…

Incident at Public Park Leads to Arrest and Sparks Nationwide Debate on Boundaries

In the United States — a nation with one of the highest incarceration rates globally — the question of how to sentence children who commit serious crimes…

Fans left in shock at Madonna’s new look during recent concert

Madonna made a bold statement at her sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, showcasing her muscles in a skimpy red négligée. The daring outfit served…

12-year-old takes her life and leaves soul-crushing note behind

Suicide is always heartbreaking, but at just 12 years old? That’s a life barely begun, a story cut tragically short before it even had a chance to…