A Pennsylvania family’s Florida vacation turned into a nightmare after an 11-year-old boy was attacked by a nearly 9-foot alligator while doing one of his favorite things — fishing.
Brodie Dituri, of Juniata County, was vacationing with his family at Nelson’s Fish Camp near Umatilla, Florida, on June 27 when the alligator suddenly bit him on the right hand as he fished from the shore. He was rushed to a hospital and underwent emergency surgery, but doctors were unable to save his hand.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said an officer later captured and killed the alligator believed to have attacked Brodie. The reptile measured approximately 8 feet, 7 inches long.
Brodie remains under medical care as doctors closely monitor him for infection and determine what additional surgeries and rehabilitation he may need. His family hopes he will eventually be able to continue treatment closer to home through the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
“This tragic accident has not only changed Brodie’s life but has also placed a tremendous burden on his family as they navigate the aftermath,” the family wrote on a GoFundMe created to support his recovery.
The fundraiser said Brodie has always loved fishing, baseball and football, but he now faces the enormous challenge of learning how to enjoy those activities in a new way.
“Brodie’s passion for fishing, baseball, and football have always brought him joy, and now he faces the challenge of adapting to his new circumstances while holding onto the things he loves,” the family wrote.
Despite the devastating injury, Brodie’s relatives said he is taking his recovery one day at a time and drawing strength from friends who have been visiting and helping keep his spirits up.
“We are very grateful for all the prayers and support we have received,” Peter Dituri wrote in a social media update. “I am thankful for Brodie’s friends who are keeping his spirits up while he is here. And we just ask for continued prayers as this is going to be a very long road ahead.”
The family has since received an outpouring of support from friends, neighbors and local organizations back home in Pennsylvania.
Harper’s Warriors of Juniata County organized a card drive and a “Wear Blue for Brodie Day,” encouraging supporters to wear Brodie’s favorite color, post photos with the hashtag #BrodieStrong and hold signs reading, “Be Brave Like Brodie.”
Helping Hands of Juniata County is also collecting donations to help the family cover travel, lodging, meals, medical expenses and other costs expected to pile up during Brodie’s lengthy recovery.
The attack was one of three reported alligator incidents in Central Florida over an eight-day period. A 19-year-old man was bitten while snorkeling in the Rainbow River on June 21, and a 31-year-old woman was fatally attacked while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River the day after Brodie was injured.
For now, Brodie’s loved ones are focused on helping him heal and adjust to the life-changing injury while reminding him that an entire community is standing behind him.
He’s now known as “Chubbs.”
All alligators in places people are frequenting and around homes should be removed if over 4 feet Or open the ability for people to eliminate nuisance large gators.