A South Carolina grandmother, Holly Jenkins, was tragically killed and partially eaten by a 10-foot alligator while walking her dog in her private community. Her family has filed a lawsuit accusing the community of failing to act on promises made to protect residents from such attacks. The case was recently settled after the defendants agreed to a confidential settlement amount.
The Tragic Incident and Lawsuit
On July 4, 2023, 69-year-old Holly Jenkins, a resident of the Spanish Wells community on Hilton Head Island, was attacked by an alligator while walking her dog. According to the Jenkins family, the community had previously assured residents that they were taking action to reduce alligator risks, but these promises were not followed through.
The family’s legal complaint alleges that the community, aware of increasing alligator attacks in the area, failed to provide adequate protection, despite public assurances to the contrary.
The lawsuit was settled on May 5, 2023, after a confidential sum was agreed upon by both parties. The settlement was aimed at avoiding the costs of a trial, as stated in the court’s order.
A Call for Accountability
The Jenkins family claims that the Spanish Wells Club, the community’s property owners association, and the management company were responsible for mitigating the risks posed by large alligators.
Despite their promises, no significant efforts were made to monitor the ponds and lagoons, and dangerous alligators were not removed. The family asserts that they reasonably relied on the community’s assurances that these risks were being managed.
The lawsuit states, “Residents reasonably relied upon defendants’ representations and assurances that they were managing and reducing the risks posed by alligators.”
The Discovery of Holly Jenkins
On the day of the attack, Jenkins’ husband and adult son became concerned when they noticed their dog in the backyard, but Holly was missing. The family began searching for her and soon heard splashing near a pond.
Jenkins’ son found her body face down in the water, with a large alligator nearby. Despite attempts to distract the predator, the alligator was killed when authorities arrived.
Jenkins was pronounced dead at the scene, though the initial attack did not result in her death. A necropsy revealed that the alligator had consumed Jenkins’ foot and hand.
Community’s Responsibility and Alleged Failures
The family blames the community for not ensuring a safe environment for its residents. The complaint claims that the community’s management did not take reasonable measures to monitor alligator activity and remove dangerous animals. As a result, the Jenkins family believes that the community’s neglect directly contributed to the fatal attack.
The complaint further states that the ponds and lagoons in the area were not appropriately monitored, and insufficient efforts were made to identify and remove “nuisance” alligators.
The Aftermath and Community Response
The Spanish Wells Club and G.W. Services, the management company involved, have yet to respond to requests for comment from the press. Holly Jenkins is remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend, with a deep love for her family and her dog, according to her obituary.
