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Boulder man who retired to Costa Rica survives crocodile attack

Posted at 1:17 PM, Jul 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-25 15:17:18-04

COSTA RICA -- A man from Boulder who retired to Costa Rica fought off a crocodile at a popular tourist beach.

Arthur Jonathan "Jon" Becker, 59, was in serious, but stable condition at last report.

"He's really a miracle," Becker's sister-in-law, Diane Israel, told Denver7. "Jon is alive and a miracle. He and (his roommate) Edgar fought off this insane crocodile."

Israel said Jon and Edgar went surfing last Friday in Tamarindo.

Israel said Edgar jumped in first, then heard Jon scream.

"They both fought off the crocodile," Israel explained.

“It was a vicious attack, and he [Jon] was bitten several times in the leg as well as the head,” lifeguard Pat McNulty told The Associated Press by phone from Costa Rica. “They were able to get him free, swim him to safety and then trained lifeguards responded … and we administered first aid and called an ambulance.”

"He's really doing well," Israel said. "His attitude is phenomenal. He is just a miracle."

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