KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) A woman killed by an alligator on South Carolinas Kiawah Island Friday walked over to the reptile and even tried to touch it before the fatal attack, a witness told investigators.
The new details were part of a follow up report from the Charleston County Sheriffs Office.
According to the witness, 58-year-old Cynthia Covert was at the witness house to do her nails. She said that Covert was not acting like herself she was more talkative and relaxed than usual. When deputies asked if the change in behavior may have been alcohol or drug induced, the witness noted that Covert came to her residence with a glass of wine, but that was the only thing she saw.
As indicated in previous reports, Covert saw the alligator and went down to get a closer look, despite the protests of the homeowner and her husband.
This report reveals that the alligator had grabbed a deer from the same spot just days before. When the witness warned Covert, Covert replied I dont look like a deer then attempted to touch the alligator, at which point it grabbed her by the leg and dragged her into the water.
In addition to trying to fend the alligator off with a shovel, witnesses tried to throw Covert a rope and pull her ashore. One witness told deputies that Covert was about waist deep in the water and she stated in a very calm voice I guess I wont do this again as they tried to pull her from the water. At that point, the alligator took her under the water and she released the rope.
When responders retrieved Coverts body, it was intact with severe wounds to her leg.
The Charleston County Coroner determined the cause of death as drowning.