A tragic accident in southwest Florida turned even more harrowing over the weekend when rescue efforts were delayed due to the presence of two large alligators near the crash site. The victim, 19-year-old Fredy Chavez Sanchez, was found dead after his pickup truck plunged into a canal in Venice on June 22.

According to authorities, Chavez Sanchez was driving a red Ford Ranger that was reportedly speeding when it veered off the road, hit a pole, and careened into a murky canal. Police and fire crews arrived quickly and spotted the submerged vehicle with someone trapped inside.

Rescue swimmers initially entered the water to reach the teen but were quickly pulled back when two alligators — measuring 7 feet, 9 inches and 7 feet, 7 inches — were spotted circling near the wreckage. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials were called in to remove the alligators before the dive team could safely resume recovery efforts.

The body of Fredy Chavez Sanchez, a recent high school graduate originally from Guatemala, was recovered from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released an official cause of death. A GoFundMe campaign set up for the family says Chavez “died instantly” in the crash.

A Rare but Real Threat

The presence of the alligators — while terrifying — is not entirely unexpected in Florida, where approximately 1.3 million alligators live in rivers, lakes, canals, and retention ponds. These apex predators range in size from 3 to 13 feet, though human attacks remain rare, according to the FWC.

So far in 2025, two people have been bitten by alligators in Florida, including one fatality, according to data through May. In 2024, 11 bites were reported, but no deaths occurred.

Since 1948, Florida has documented 453 bite incidents, 26 of which have been fatal. Most alligator encounters and bites occur near water, reinforcing the need for caution, especially in areas like canals and swamps.

Ongoing Investigation

Venice police say the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that speed may have played a significant role in the accident. Officials are also awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death and whether Chavez may have drowned or sustained fatal injuries during impact.