Nancy Becker: Family of woman, 88, killed in 'preventable' alligator attack sues retirement community

Nancy Ann Jackson Becker, who was discovered with severed limbs, died after the attack due to blunt-force trauma

UPDATED APR 22, 2023

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA: Nancy Ann Jackson Becker, who died in an alligator attack in South Carolina could be alive today if the facility would have taken ‘appropriate measures.’ Becker’s family has now filed a lawsuit against the retirement community after the 88-year-old died on August 15, 2022. She was sitting outside her home in Sun City Hilton Head, when the attack took place, and she was later found dead near the alligator. It was reported that it was guarding the body and was seen around 11.15 am local time.

The lawsuit now filed claims Becker “endured excruciating pain and suffering, including severed limbs" as a result of the attack. She later died of her injuries.” According to NBC News, she told reporters at the scene, "The alligator was basically holding her hostage, I guess I don't know what the appropriate term would be. It was guarding her and did not want people close by." The accused are named Del Webb Communities, Inc., Sun City Hilton Head Community Association, and an employee, Tammy Hayes, who all fail to protect residents of the community from the alligator attack, reports People.

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'Failing to take ‘adequate or appropriate measures’'

It further reads, "The Sun City and Hayes ‘were negligent, grossly negligent, willful, and wanton’ by failing to take ‘adequate or appropriate measures’ to prevent alligators from living on the property or attacking residents, like Becker.” The suit also points out that the accused in the case misrepresented the ‘safety and security’ of the community and didn’t inform Becker of 'the risks and dangers of alligator attacks' in the community."

'Breached that duty by designing and constructing ponds '

"Del Webb breached that duty by designing and constructing ponds and ponding basins … without adequate safeguards and protections designed or constructed to prevent such hazards and predators," as per the suit. It also mentioned, "Sun City failed to supervise Hayes to ensure that she performed her duties. [It] should not have retained Hayes in their employment knowing she was failing to manage alligators within the Community."

Beaufort County sheriff's spokeswoman Angela Viens earlier told NBC News, that the alligator involved in the attack was believed to have been a male over nine and half feet in length. The official report suggested that Becker died due to blunt force trauma.