A Florida man, Juan Carlos La Verde, 34, survives a 12-foot alligator attack despite losing half his skull

Juan Carlos La Verde was making an instructional video for a race arranged by his outdoor adventure firm at Lake Thonotosassa, near Tampa when he was attacked.

This Article Contents

A TRIATHLETE almost escaped death after he was assaulted by a 12-foot alligator that locked its jaws onto his head.

Drone footage captured the horrifying encounter, which took place on August 3 when the war veteran went for a swim in Florida. Juan Carlos La Verde, a 34-year-old former US Air Force pararescueman, was in Lake Thonotosassa when the alligator came directly at him and attacked. La Verde, who now works as a firefighter and paramedic, reported that the “big” alligator bit down on his head and chest before releasing him.

“It was simply one enormous bite,” he told local TV affiliate WLFA. “I heard my jaw shatter and I just continued swimming.” La Verde’s friend and drone pilot captured footage of the entire terrifying encounter. The two were creating an instructional video for La Verde’s company, DefeatX. After feeling the shock of agony in his head, La Verde stated that he immediately recognized what was going on, WFTS Tampa Bay reported. “With the right strike, all I felt was scales, teeth.

“I instantly tried to open its jaws because I realized I was in a gator,” La Verde stated. This was visible in the film before La Verde was able to swim across to a nearby dock and lift himself up. He called 911 himself while someone rushed him to the hospital. As for the drone pilot, he heard La Verde scream but reportedly did not realize what had occurred.

10 days and 6-hour surgery

“Later on, all he told me was he heard a scream, and then he didn’t know what happened to me,” La Verde claimed. La Verde was at the hospital for 10 days and underwent a six-hour surgery. La Verde’s injuries included many bone fractures in his jaw, coupled with his skull being damaged, causing physicians to conduct a craniectomy and remove part of his right temporal lobe. He now has to wear a helmet to protect the right side of his skull and will face further surgery in the future.

According to a GoFundMe website launched for La Verde, he was readmitted to the hospital after fainting and striking his head, but was re-released once more. La Verde noted that he knew the hazards of entering the lake without taking preventative precautions for alligators, but is grateful that he made it out.

“If people want to see this any other way than a true miracle, it’s ridiculous to assume that. I shouldn’t be alive,” he said. I am actually even better because this gave me a different viewpoint, you know, and not many people grasp that.” His wife Christine and close friends have been at his side during his tough journey to recovery.

Juan Carlos La Verde Age, Family, Early Life

Juan Carlos La Verde is 34 years old. He holds an American Nationality. He belongs to the white ethnicity. His actual born date and Zodiac sign are not known.

juan carlos la verde family
source: CLTAMPA

There is currently no verified information about Juan Carlos La Verde’s parents yet.

Juan Carlos La Verde Wife, What about his Relationship?

Juan Carlos La Verde is married man. His wife’s name is wife, Christine.

juan carlos la verde wife
source: NYPOST

Juan Carlos La Verde Career, What is his profession?

Juan Carlos La Verde is a former US Air Force pararescueman. other details about his profession are not revealed.

How much is Juan Carlos La Verde Net Worth?

However, we shouldn’t have any specific information about Juan Carlos La Verde’s net worth.

Also Read: 13-year-old Irish kid, Naoise O Sullivan, dies in a deadly Mountain Bike Accident

Which school and college did he go to?

There are no available details regarding Juan Carlos La Verde’s educational background.

Is he available on any kind of social media platform?

Juan Carlos La Verde is not active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Physical Appearance of Juan Carlos La Verde’s Height, Weight

HeightNot Available
Hair ColorBlack
Eye colorBlack
WeightNot Available
Body typeFit
Sexual orientationStraight

Interesting facts about Juan Carlos La Verde’s should be known

NationalityAmerican
EthnicityWhite
Zodiac signNot Available
Relationship StatusMarried

close