Florida teen loses arm in alligator attack

Kasey Edwards escaped with his life after poking animal in the eye

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updated 3:20 p.m. ET June 24, 2008

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. - A Florida teen who was attacked by an 11 1/2-foot alligator lost his arm, but managed to escape with his life after poking the animal in the eye.

A sheriff's office report said Kasey Edwards was hanging out with friends beside a canal in Okeechobee County on Sunday when he decided to go swimming.

Halfway through the swim, an alligator clamped down on his left arm. Edwards says he fought back by grabbing onto a buoy line and not letting go. He then poked the animal in the eye to get free.

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As Edwards began to swim away, he realized that his left arm was missing.

Friends pulled him to safety and he was taken to a hospital for treatment.