Woman killed by alligator after going to pond to try and touch it

The tragic death of a woman in South Carolina has shocked and saddened many. Cynthia Covert, a 58-year-old beautician, was killed by an alligator as she attempted to pet the animal. The incident took place at a pond in Kiawah Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

Following a day of wine-drinking and performing a pedicure for a friend, Covert began taking pictures of the alligator in her friend’s backyard pond before wading into the water. Despite warnings from her friend about the alligator having recently eaten a deer, Covert moved closer to the animal, seemingly attempting to touch it. This 10-foot, 400-500-pound alligator then attacked Covert, who stood at a height of 5 feet and weighed 100 pounds.

Witnesses rushed to the water’s edge in an attempt to rescue her, and a neighbor provided a rope to try and pull Covert back to safety. Reportedly, amidst the rescue attempt, Covert calmly remarked, “I guess I won’t do this again,” before tragically being pulled under the water. She did not scream during the attack.

Deputies, firefighters, and other first responders arrived shortly after the incident but initially did not find any signs of Covert or the alligator. After some time, Covert’s body surfaced across the pond, still held by the alligator. It took several shots from a deputy’s pistol to kill the alligator, allowing first responders to retrieve Covert’s body.

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The Charleston County Coroner’s Office ruled Covert’s cause of death as accidental drowning. This marks the third fatal alligator attack in South Carolina since 2016. The police urge citizens to exercise caution around wildlife and to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the alligator’s body has been taken by the police to aid in the investigation.

This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by wild animals and the importance of respecting their habitats.

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