A monster 11ft alligator grabbed and killed a man who was reportedly cutting the grass around the pond it was hiding in.
Emergency services were initially called to a water incident at Myrtle Beach Golf and Yacht Club in South Carolina at around 11.45am on Friday ( June 24 ).
Police spokeswoman Mikayla Moskov said: "Units determined that an alligator had taken hold of a neighbour, and retreated into a nearby retention pond."
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The victim was located near the community pond when he was dragged in, according to Horry County Police.
He was retrieved from the pond when the authorities arrived.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources confirmed its alligator removal service euthanised the beast at the scene of the deadly incident.
Authorities have reassured residents that there is no ongoing threat in the area, reports Daily Mail.
An eyewitness claimed the residents housing association refused to sort the lawn around the retention ponds and said locals have asked for traps to be put up for years.
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Trea Donohoe wrote on a community Facebook group: "The entire reason it happened is because the HOA refused to cut the grass around the pond anymore, [so] the homeowner went out there and took it upon himself to do it.
"And that's how it happened."
An investigation into the unknown victim's death is ongoing, and Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard said the coroner's office will release more info about the case on Monday.
In a statement, police said: 'Our hearts go out to the family and community members impacted by this tragic incident.'
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