In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a family’s pursuit of justice has taken center stage after the horrifying loss of their beloved matriarch, Gloria Serge. Last February, the tranquil Spanish Lakes Fairways retirement community in Florida was forever marked by a harrowing incident that has now prompted legal action.
Gloria Serge, an 85-year-old resident, was enjoying a leisurely walk with her faithful canine companion when tragedy struck. Out of nowhere, a colossal 10-foot, 700-pound alligator emerged from the serene waters, targeting her cherished pet. In a heroic effort to protect her furry friend, Gloria courageously fought back. However, fate took a cruel twist as the alligator redirected its ferocity towards her, ultimately dragging her into the depths.
Miraculously, her loyal dog survived the ordeal, a small glimmer of hope in the midst of unimaginable tragedy. Swiftly responding to the incident, local authorities managed to locate and capture the formidable alligator. The capture, as described by experienced alligator trapper Robert Lilly of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), was a Herculean task. Lilly recounted, “Snagged him on the bottom. He never surfaced. He stayed down the whole time. Got a second hook in him and then a hard line in him so we could get him up.” The creature was securely restrained, ensuring it could not pose any further threat.
This week, the Serge family, alongside their legal representatives, launched a wrongful death lawsuit against the Wynne Building Corporation, the entity responsible for the Spanish Lakes retirement community where Gloria lived out her golden years. In a heartfelt press conference, Bill Serge, Gloria’s son, shared the anguish of his mother’s final moments, insisting that her untimely death “should have never happened.”
Bill Serge’s words cut to the core of the tragedy, stating, “My mom, who was in her 85th year, who could not swim, was grabbed by a 10-foot, 700-pound alligator and dragged into the water where she drowned in the most violent and terrifying way possible.” He continued, “No child should have to bury their mom under such horrible circumstances. This was a tragedy that was 100% preventable,” echoing the sentiments of a grieving family seeking accountability.
The family’s legal representative, Gary Lesser, squarely placed the blame on Spanish Lakes, asserting that this tragedy could have been avoided had the community enforced rules against feeding wildlife. Lesser pointed out that residents and staff had consistently fed the alligator, even giving it a name, Henry, due to its frequent appearances at the pond’s shore.
Furthermore, the absence of warning signs about alligators in the water and the presence of benches along the bank have been highlighted as factors contributing to this devastating incident. The family’s claim that Gloria was “forced” to walk her dog by the retention pond, citing an alleged community rule about pet walking, adds another layer of concern.
As the legal battle unfolds, the Serge family has not disclosed the specific damages they are seeking, leaving that determination to the wisdom of a jury. Meanwhile, Wynne Building Corporation has yet to issue a response to the lawsuit, keeping the spotlight firmly on a community’s responsibility and the pursuit of justice in the face of unthinkable loss.
In the heart of Florida, where the everglades teem with life, this somber saga reminds us of the importance of safeguarding our communities and protecting our loved ones. Gloria Serge’s tragic demise serves as a poignant reminder that prevention and responsibility must be paramount in our pursuit of peace and tranquility.
