Report: Swimmer at Blue Spring had wounds consistent with...

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — An autopsy is underway to find out if a 12-foot alligator killed a 62-year-old man as he was diving in Blue Spring, but a preliminary report from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said deputies at the scene saw wounds on the man's body that were consistent with an alligator attack.

James Okkerse's body was found Monday near the gator in a diving hole after he disappeared while swimming with friends.

Florida Fish and Wildlife officers killed the gator and recovered the body, but they did not say how Okkerse died.

Photos: Diver reported missing at Blue Spring State Park

They said they won’t know until at least Wednesday if the alligator is responsible for the man’s death.

Okkerse’s friends and family said they are already convinced he was attacked by the alligator.

Okkerse’s cousin, Frances Lommerse, described him as a caring son and friend who is now deeply missed.

“He would take his mother to Planet Fitness, take her walking. They both stayed active that way,” Lommerse said.

Okkerse’s will to be active brought him to the spring in Orange City at least three times a week.

His friends said he disappeared near the spring boil.

His body was found hundreds of yards downstream toward the Saint John’s River with the alligator nearby.

Okkerse’s mother and family have been getting support from their church and close friends.

“One day at a time and faith. We’ve had a lot of people from the church call. The priest has been here. The doctors have been calling. Everybody is taking good care of us,” Lommerse said.

On Tuesday, swimmers were back in the water at Blue Springs.

“We love the spring and to come here and have something like that happen it really is upsetting. It’s a risk that you take when you, you know, have this as your hobby,” said Haley Cowlong.

FWC investigators were hoping for the autopsy results Tuesday afternoon, but don’t expect they'll be ready until Wednesday.

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