Man attacked by alligator after allegedly ignoring warning signs and jumping in water

ORANGE, TX -- A 28-year-old man was the victim of a fatal alligator attack in Orange, Texas early Friday morning.

Officials in Orange say that they responded to a call about an alligator attack that morning.

Witnesses at the location informed them that a 28-year-old man had been attacked by a large alligator. That man has been identified as Tommie Woodward of Orange.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office arrived to the scene with a boat. They brought with them a game warden from Texas Parks and Wildlife.

The man's body was found around 4:30 a.m., not far from the area in which he was attacked.

Officials are currently investigating, but reports say that the man jumped into the water even though there were warning signs present. He was then immediately attacked by a large alligator.

The State Game Warden, Mike Boone, says this case is the first fatal alligator attack that he's seen in Texas - and he's been a game warden for more than 22 years.