VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Volusia County medical examiner has ruled that an alligator attack was the cause of a 62-year-old man’s death in Blue Spring.
John Okkerse’s body was found floating near a 12-foot alligator on Monday.
Photos: Diver reported missing at Blue Spring State Park
Florida Fish and Wildlife officers killed the animal but did not immediately say how Okkerse died.
Okkerse was swimming with friends, who said he disappeared near the spring boil.
They spotted his body hundreds of yards downstream.
FWC released a statement, which read, “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Mr. Okkerse's family and friends during this difficult time.”
An alligator was reported in that area of the spring on Sunday, so park staff closed off the swimming the area. It was reopened Monday, because park officials did not see the animal.
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