LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland police released on Friday the name of the man believed to have been killed by an alligator earlier this week.
Richard Taylor, 72, was identified by his fingerprints by Lakeland police. He has been in the Lakeland area for 10 years and is from South Carolina.
Police said the manner and cause of death is still undetermined. They’re waiting on additional test results and the toxicology report from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Lakeland police received several calls of an alligator with a body in its mouth on Tuesday at 1:40 p.m. at Lake Hunter Drive and Cresap Avenue. The gator let go of the body and swam off.
Late Tuesday night, the 9-foot alligator was captured, and it was determined Wednesday, human remains were found in the alligator’s stomach.
As a reminder, if anyone has concerns with concerns about an alligator, they may call the toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Generally, an alligator may be deemed a nuisance if it is at least four feet in length and the caller believes it poses a threat to people, pets or property.
Cox Media Group
