| Fla. Teen Loses Arm in Alligator Attack PlusFla. Teen Loses Arm in Alligator AttackFla. Teen Loses Arm in Alligator AttackThe Associated PressA Florida teen who was attacked by an 11 1/2-foot alligator lost his arm, but managed to escape with his life after poking the animal in the eye. (June 25)SOT: "I just felt something lock down, had the sensation of needle-nosed pliers, just a gigantic set of them, clamping down." This Florida teenager is speaking out about a harrowing ordeal. Kasey Edwards was hanging out with friends when he decided to swim across a 25-foot-deep canal early Sunday morning. Halfway through the swim, an 11-and-a-half foot alligator clamped down on his left arm. SOT: "You know I was just like holding on with everything I could for this gator trying to pull me under. I'd surface, get a gasp of air, and then he'd just shake again and pulled me under. He did it about five times." The 18-year-old fought back-- and poked the animal in the eye to get free. SOT: And I still at this time didn't realize that my arm was gone. My adrenaline was pumping. I swam to the other side of the bank." The teen lost his arm, but is thankful that he escaped with his life. SOT-Edwards "It seems like there's a crossroads. Either you have a positive attitude, you know, make the best of a bad situation, or just sit there and feel sorry for yourself." Wildlife officials captured and killed the alligator after the incident. ___ ___, The Associated Press. Tags: alligator attack fla. teen loses arm |