Flat Creek Floyd, Peachtree City's famous alligator, dies after being hit by car

Flat Creek Floyd, Peachtree City's famous alligator, killed by driver

The gator gained popularity over the years because of his frequent sightings. A state trapper had convinced the city to leave him alone rather than relocate him and the city and Floyd coexisted peacefully for more than 10 years.

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. - On social media pages across Peachtree City and Fayette County Friday, people were mourning the loss of the famous alligator Flat Creek Floyd. Jason Clark with Southeastern Reptile Rescue was forced to euthanize the popular gator after a car struck on State Road 74 early Friday morning. 

Police say the driver kept going but other motorists who saw the injured alligator on the side of the road called 911.

What they're saying:

When it came time to euthanize Flat Creek Floyd Jason Clark said he couldn’t do it, so he sat quietly with the injured gator for a few more minutes.

"I went to do it a second and third time and couldn’t do it," Clark said. "Then I started thinking how this thing is feeling because I am on his back. And I’ve been on the back of gators his size that are healthy and still don’t behave like he’s behaving this morning. So that tells me the gator is in pain and that’s the only reason I was able to put him down."

The backstory:

Flat Creek Floyd became famous when he first appeared more than 10 years ago. 

Related: 

Another gator sighting reported in Fayette County

Fayette County's favorite gator Flat Creek Floyd is back

People wanted him removed from the creek because of its proximity to a neighborhood, shopping and a retirement complex. But he quickly disappeared on his own. 

When he reappeared a few years later, he became so popular that people were trying to take selfies with him under his little bridge on State Road 74. 

Authorities then wanted it removed too. They sent trapper Jason Clark with the Southeastern Reptile Rescue to capture him and either relocate him or euthanize him. Clark convinced the city that they and Floyd could coexist. And they did quietly for years.

"There was more of a reason to educate people on why they and this alligator should coexist," he said.

What we know:

Police called Clark after a motorist hit Floyd on State Road 74 early Friday morning. Floyd survived the accident, but Clark determined he likely had serious internal injuries.

How Big:

A question often debated that can now be answered is how big was Flat Creek Floyd. Clark, who measured him, said Floyd was 11 feet, nine inches long. He weighed 400 to 500 pounds. And Clark says he likely is 40 to 50 years old.

What's next:

Peachtree City Police had their own farewell to Floyd on their social media page. He is buried behind the police department. Fitting, considering their long history. The department had responded to numerous sightings of Floyd. The department suggested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Fayette County Animal Shelter.