John Hopkins, 59, was headed eastbound on a country road in Lithia, Florida at approximately 12:30 a.m., police said. As he was driving, the front of Hopkins’ car struck an 11-foot-long alligator which was sitting in the roadway, causing his vehicle to veer off the road.
Police reported Hopkins’ Chevrolet Aveo overturned into a ditch on the north side of the road due to the impact.
A passerby immediately called 911 after he noticed the vehicle in the ditch. After police arrived, Hopkins was pronounced dead at the scene. The alligator was also killed in the crash, police said.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is still ongoing.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that alligators can be found living in all 67 counties in the state.
An estimated 1.3 million alligators of various sizes live in Florida yet alligator-human interactions are uncommon, with a roughly 1 in 3.1 million chance of being seriously injured from an alligator attack.
But drivers are warned to remain hyper-vigilant about driving, especially on Florida’s Alligator Alley, an 80 mile stretch of I-75. Alligator Alley cuts between Naples and Fort Lauderdale and is a popular route for travelers headed to Miami.
Since the road is surrounded on both sides by a swamp, alligators and other wildlife can oftentimes find themselves journeying past the fence separating the swamp from the road.
Earlier this year, a massive alligator was discovered sitting at the edge of I-75.
When Florida Highway Patrol arrived at the scene they found a 12-foot-long alligator sitting alarmingly close to the road.
Florida Highway Patrol arrived at the scene and attempted to keep the gator from entering the roadway. A travel advisory was issued, cautioning northbound drivers to remain cautious.
It is illegal to feed, trap, or kill an alligator in the state of Florida. Individuals who encounter an alligator should never approach the animal and are encouraged to contact the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1‐866‐FWC‐GATOR (392‐4286).
The Nuisance Alligator Program contracts alligator trappers from around Florida to assist with safely removing alligators longer than 4 feet and possibly pose a threat to property, pets, or people.
FWC recommends that individuals remain cautious, especially during warmer months by keeping pets away from water and on their leashes. It is also not recommended to swim in any area unless it is designated for swimming
Newsweek reached out to the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office who directed to the press release.
