A drone captured video of a Florida mans fight for survival when an alligator attacked and crushed his skull on Aug. 3.Juan Carlos La Verde was swimming in Lake Thonotosassa in Hillsborough County while a colleague filmed via drone. La Verde, also known as JC Defeats, is the founder of Defeat X Adventure Co.The video shows two points of movement in the still, green water. One is La Verde, swimming near the dock on the left, and the other is the alligator.There is a commotion for several seconds, during which the gator clamps down and possibly initiates a death roll, which the animal uses to disorient prey. Then La Verde gets free and swims away.The U.S. Air Force pararescue veteran and Oldsmar firefighter underwent brain surgery and was hospitalized for more than a week. His jaw is wired shut, and part of his skull will be missing until he undergoes another operation to implant a protective plate.Per reports, La Verde doesnt blame the alligator. Reports of nuisance alligators and attacks are investigated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), but this alligator was unprovoked and likely defending a nearby nest. Female alligators lay their eggs in late June or early July, and hatching occurs in August and September.
