Officials try to determine if gator caused swimmer’s death

Author: the associated press
Published:

ORANGE CITY, Fla. (AP) – Florida wildlife officials are trying to determine if a 12-foot alligator contributed to a swimmer’s death at a central Florida state park.

Authorities on Monday shot the alligator after 62 -year-old James Okkerse was found dead floating in Blue Springs State Park. Friends said he swam in the park every day.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials wouldn’t say if he had bite marks. The medical examiner’s office is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal (http://goo.gl/Nzp3VD ) reports that the alligator was spotted twice on Sunday when the park was forced to close temporarily after the sightings.

The Volusia County park is popular for kayaking and manatee watching.

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