13-year-old Angler Pulled Underwater by Alligator Rescued by Father, Grandfather
OutdoorHub Reporters 06.30.15
A family fishing trip in Texas quickly turned into a fight for survival when an alligator pulled a 13-year-old boy into the water on Sunday. According to the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, 13-year-old Kaleb Hurley was cooling off in Lake Charlotte after fishing when the reptile came up and clamped its jaws around the teen’s arm and dragged him into the water.
“The father of the boy, 42 year old James Hurley, ran into the water and was able to save his son but in the process the alligator attacked him, biting him on the leg. James Hurley was able to kick the alligator until it released him. Both were in serious but stable condition when flown by Life Flight to Hermann Hospital,” read a statement from the sheriff’s office on Facebook.
The 13-year-old’s grandfather, Mark Ford, who also went in to help and escaped with minimal injuries, said that the attack caught everyone by surprise.
“When we figured out what was going on, the alligator jerked Kaleb away [with] him. His dad and I got a hold of Kaleb and got him away from the alligator,” Ford told KHOU.
You can watch interviews with witnesses below:
Both the boy and his father are now in stable condition. Officials from Texas Parks and Wildlife are currently investigating the case but have not indicated whether a search for the alligator is underway. Authorities have warned residents to beware of increased alligator activity due to recent flooding.
“Sheriff Hawthorne wants to remind citizens that this is the nesting period for alligators and with the recent flood waters the alligators have been displaced,” said the Chambers County Sheriff’s Department.
