COSTA RICA -- A Colorado man is alive, but seriously hurt, after fighting off a crocodile while surfing with a friend in Costa Rica.
Despite surviving a traumatic attack, Jon Becker, of Boulder, swam back to the shore of the Tamarindo River in Costa Rica.
Denver7 spoke to Patrick McNulty, one of the first lifeguards to render aid to Becker.
“He was attacked once in the leg which was the most severe injury, then he was again attacked by the crocodile in the face and head and he managed to punch the crocodile off of him,” said McNulty.
Becker's right foot was nearly torn off in the attack, but he still managed to get to shore safely.
“The individual that was injured was a real fighter, he never gave up, he never panicked, and he did a real good job of staying calm,” McNulty said.
Becker has had over 100 stitches to close wounds on his neck, face and arms.
His right leg had to be amputated at the knee.
Becker is expected to be released from the ICU of a hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica soon.
