South Carolina Residents Organize Vigil For Walter The Alligator Despite Several Reported Gator Incidents: 'He Was A Piece Of The Community'

For over a decade, Walter the alligator was more than just a reptile; he was a beloved neighbor, at least that is what some South Carolina (SC) residents believe.

Residents of an SC apartment complex gathered late into the night to mourn his passing, honoring the creature who had become a fixture in their community.

This emotional farewell stands in stark contrast to a chilling incident in Largo, Florida, two years ago, when a passerby spotted an alligator carrying a lifeless body in its jaws, prompting an urgent call to authorities.

Residents of the Daniel Island neighborhood gathered at their village's clubhouse over the weekend, grieving the loss of the reptile, who was reportedly lured and euthanized by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) contractors the day before.

The heartfelt event featured a moment of silence, prayers, and shared memories of Walter's peaceful presence in the community. Attendees then walked together to the pond where he had spent more than a decade basking in the sun.

ABCNews4 reported that Berkeley County District 2 Councilman Jarrod Brooks was among the vigil speakers, highlighting Walter's deep impact on the neighborhood.

Rebekah Cole, one of the event's organizers, spoke passionately about the alligator's legacy. She recalled how Walter coexisted peacefully with residents, never showing aggression toward people or pets. In her words:

"Everyone who came they were told what his name was and he was a piece of the community. Even though he was a cold-blooded animal, we all loved him and it tore us all up."

Walter's sudden euthanasia by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) officials left residents heartbroken and questioning whether his removal was necessary.

A letter from Daniel Island Village management, dated March 14, confirmed that Walter had been spotted several times throughout the week, prompting a call to SCDNR. Officials determined that putting him down was the best way to "minimize risk" to the community.

While management assured residents that the decision was madein accordance with state law, they acknowledged the emotional toll it has taken. 

"We understand this news about his passing can be distressing and sincerely appreciate your understanding," the letter read, urging residents to avoid feeding wildlife and report any future sightings of displaced animals.

While Walter was seen as a peaceful presence, past incidents serve as grim reminders of the risks associated with these powerful reptiles.

The Blast previously reported a chilling event in 2023 when a 13-foot alligator was discovered with a human body in its jaws at Ridgecrest Park in Largo, Florida.

Witness JaMarcus Bullard recalled the horrifying sight, initially thinking the lifeless figure was a mannequin before realizing it was a lower torso. Shocked, he immediately ran to the nearby fire department for help.

The gruesome discovery occurred near a Head Start program and a Boys and Girls Club, raising concerns for the safety of local children. "All I keep thinking of is all these little kids that go to school right behind me, and they come this way every single day," Bullard said, adding:

"I'm gonna get me bike or start catching the bus to work. They don't have any gates or anything like that, they have small little gates but somebody dies."

Largo, Florida, has seen its share of deadly alligator encounters, and one tragic case in 2022 serves as a grim reminder of the risks lurking in local waters. A 47-year-old man lost his life at Taylor Lake while searching for Frisbees, a common but dangerous activity near the disc golf course.

Despite posted warnings about alligators and no-swimming signs, some individuals, nicknamed "squids" in the community, venture into the lake to retrieve lost discs.

Andrew King, a regular at the park, recalled meeting the victim and described him as a "brave guy." "These discs are expensive to begin with but it's not worth risking your life to, for a leisure sport," he added.

The daughter of Sabrina Peckham, the woman whose body was found in the jaws of a massive 13-foot alligator in Largo, Florida, spoke out to set the record straight about her mother's tragic death.

The Blast reported that while the gruesome discovery led to widespread speculation, Peckham's daughter, Dorris, pushed back against the rumors. She took to Facebook to share what her family knew so far and to ask for compassion during this heartbreaking time.

"The past 24 hours have been filled with grief and sorrow and unbearable pain for our family. I'm posting this to put rumors to rest and ask for everyone's help," she wrote. 

She clarified that her mother did not provoke the alligator, as some claimed. Peckham, who was part of the local homeless community, lived in a wooded area near the water. 

"It is believed that she may have been walking to or from her campsite near the creek in the dark, and the alligator attacked from the water," Dorris explained.

Urging the public to stop spreading misinformation, she added, "Please do not speak on what you don't know. No matter how you put it, no one deserves to die like this."

The late 41-year-old's daughter and family also turned to the public for support as they navigate their devastating loss. Dorris shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, revealing they had no funeral plans in place, as they "expected to have many, many more years with her."

A GoFundMe page was also launched to cover cremation expenses and lay her to rest in their family plot. The description read:

"Our family is in shambles trying to cope with this kind of loss. Sabrina only being 41 and homeless at the time had no funeral or death arrangements set up. We will be using the funds raised for crematory expenses and laying her to rest in our family plot."

While alligator encounters can be deadly, Walter's story proves that sometimes, these creatures can leave behind connection rather than fear.