Family Files Lawsuit Against Housing Company After Fatal Alligator Attack

The family of Gloria Serge, an 85-year-old Florida woman killed by an alligator last year, has filed a lawsuit against the Wynne Building Corp., the owner of the Spanish Lakes senior housing complex where the incident occurred. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the housing complex's employees, claiming that they fed the alligator and failed to have it removed from the neighborhood retention pond.

Legal Action Against Housing Company

The tragic incident took place in Fort Pierce, where Serge was attacked by a 10-foot alligator known as "Henry" while walking her dog in her backyard. The family's attorneys, Gary Lesser and Joshua Ferraro, stated that the housing complex's employees regularly fed the alligator, desensitizing it to human presence, and neglected to contact the authorities to have the potentially dangerous animal removed. Furthermore, the attorneys alleged that Spanish Lakes threatened to evict Serge if she walked her dog on the street, leaving her with no option but to walk the dog in her backyard adjacent to the retention pond. The lawsuit also contends that Spanish Lakes failed to warn residents about the presence of alligators and created an environment that led residents, including Serge, to believe that the reptiles posed no serious threat. The family's legal representation emphasized that the incident was entirely preventable and condemned the housing complex for failing to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of its residents.

Personal Impact

Bill Serge, Gloria Serge's son, expressed the profound emotional impact of his mother's tragic death, emphasizing the sudden and violent nature of the attack. He and his siblings have been deeply affected by their mother's passing, calling attention to the unimaginable grief caused by the circumstances of her death.

Response and Legal Action

Wynne and Spanish Lakes officials have yet to respond to the allegations outlined in the lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages. The incident has sparked wider concerns, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission emphasizing the dangers of feeding alligators and the potential consequences of habituating them to human presence.

Rare but Fatal Encounters

While fatal alligator attacks are rare in Florida, with only 26 recorded deaths from 1948 through 2022, the incident has raised awareness about the importance of wildlife safety. The commission's spokesperson, Lauren Claerbout, reiterated the illegality and risks of feeding alligators, highlighting the potential consequences of these actions.

Eye-Witness Testimonial

A security video obtained by "Inside Edition" captured the harrowing moment when the alligator attacked Serge and her dog by the pond. Additionally, a neighbor, Carol Thomas, recounted the futile attempts to save Serge from the alligator's grip, underscoring the haunting nature of the ordeal.

Closure and Preventative Measures

Gloria Serge's body was recovered following the incident, and the alligator responsible for the attack was euthanized. Bill Serge emphasized the need for justice and expressed hope that the lawsuit would prevent others from facing similar tragedies. The legal action taken by Gloria Serge's family reflects their pursuit of accountability and the need to address safety measures in areas inhabited by wildlife. The outcome of the lawsuit will likely have broader implications for wildlife management and resident safety in similar housing complexes across Florida.