JC La Verde and wife Christine. Courtesy, WFTS-TV ABC Action News
A firefighter in Hillsborough County is recuperating from severe injuries he sustained in an attack by a 12-foot alligator that was captured by aerial drone footage. Firefighter JC La Verde suffered bite injuries to his skull, face and chest while wading in Lake Thonotosassa on August 3 during the filming of an instructional video for his company, DefeatX.
La Verde detailed his memory of the event:
“All I felt was scales, teeth and then right there I’m like okay. So, what I think I did, what I felt like I did, was that I immediately tried to open its jaws because I knew I was in a gator,” La Verde explained to Tampa’s ABC Action News.
Once the gator began to release him, La Verde made his escape back onto dry land with just enough time remaining to contact Hillsborough County Emergency Services for aid. According to a GoFundMe page organized on La Verde’s behalf, he was successfully transported to Tampa General Hospital where he promptly underwent a 6-hour surgery to repair the damage to his upper-body.
Christine, La Verde’s wife, updated his recovery:
“He is a walking miracle and God has blessed him and us by helping him to survive this attack. I love you and thank you for always inspiring those around you and thinking of others when the unthinkable was happening to you. I’m so proud of you for telling your story in a true authentic way. Please continue to share and pray for us as we are continuing on his road to recovery.”
La Verde’s family and friends have confirmed that he is now back at home completing his recovery. His friends describe him as a fighter, someone who perseveres in the face of daunting adversity. With respect to his physical strength, I have no doubt that it aided in his ultimate escape from the rogue alligator. Of course, something must be said of La Verde’s unfailing will to live, despite the turn of events then and now down the difficult road ahead. We are grateful for the life of Firefighter JC La Verde and his inspirational fight for survival and recovery. You can see more of his incredible story here.
LMA Newsletter of 8-22-22
