Quick-thinking wife saves husband from crocodile attack in South Carolina retirement community
A South Carolina wife turned into a fighter and defeated a crocodile who attacked her husband in the backyard, authorities said.
Joseph Roeser spreads coverings in his backyard Wednesday when an alligator emerged from a nearby pond and attacked him, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. His wife, Marian, heard his cry and acted immediately.
“I just grabbed the closest thing I could find – the tomato stake – and started attacking the crocodile's eyes and head,” said Marian Roeser. “I knew I had to do anything to save my husband.”
Her quick response proved to be valid. The Sheriff's Office said the Gator unleashed grip on Joseph, allowing Marianne to help her husband safe at home in the head retirement community in Sun City Hilton and call emergency services.
Photo: A crocodile is near the 18th green pond at the second round of the Myrtle Beach Classic on May 10, 2024, in the second round of the Myrtle Beach Classic. (Tracy Wilcox/PGA is performed via Getty Images)
The Sheriff's Office said the first responder arrived at the scene around 10:03 a.m. to find Joseph's consciousness and alertness.
Authorities said Joseph bit his wound in his leg and scratched his head, probably due to falling onto the sidewalk during the attack. He was taken to a nearby hospital for inanimate injuries.
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After the incident, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources officials responded to the scene.
Due to the aggressive behavior of the crocodile, the Ministry of Natural Resources contractor was forced to euthanize the reptiles and remove them from the area.
According to the sheriff's office, they never thought of such close contact because of previous crocodiles found in the pond and were cautious about outdoor activities. Marian explained to police that when they saw the crocodile, they were always very careful not to do a lot in the backyard.
Authorities warned that the incident reminded residents of coastal South Carolina communities to remain alert to the safety of crocodiles, especially during the spring and summer when reptiles are most active.
The quick-thinking wife saved her husband from a crocodile attack in the South Carolina retirement community, initially appeared on abcnews.go.com.
