Brodie Dituri’s father, Peter, said that the 11-year-old is “leaning” towards using a prosthetic after his hand was amputated

The father of an 11-year-old boy who lost his hand after being bitten by an alligator is sharing an update on his son’s condition.

Brodie Dituri was bitten on the hand by an 8-foot, 7-inch alligator while he was fishing from shore near Umatilla in Marion County, Fla., on June 27, PEOPLE previously reported. Brodie was later publicly identified as the victim by his family members.

Days after the attack, Brodie’s father, Peter Dituri, says that the incident occurred during one of the family’s usual summer trips to Florida from their home state of Pennsylvania. “For the last couple of years, we’ve been going down there,” Peter told WESH on Tuesday, July 7.

Peter noted his son’s passion for fishing, sharing that Brodie “always” brings his fishing pole. “Any chance he sees water, he’s like, ‘Let’s go fishing,’ ” he said.

During the excursion, Brodie reeled in a fish and was putting it back in the water when the alligator suddenly attacked. Peter then jumped onto the animal in the water and attempted to open the alligator’s mouth.

But the animal rolled over, causing Brodie’s hand to be severed. He was transported to a local hospital, where he underwent several surgeries in an attempt to save his right hand, but it was ultimately amputated at the wrist.

“There was no thought process,” Peter told WESH of his decision to jump onto the alligator. “It was just instinct.”

“The officers all said that if I didn’t go on top of it and had caused it to roll, it would have pulled him into the water before rolling,” Peter said, noting that bystanders came to assist and call emergency responders. “From having nobody around to having people there, I can’t thank them enough.”

Brodie is now recovering and discussing transplant and prosthetic options as he navigates life after the amputation. His father said he’s “leaning” towards the prosthetics.

Along with Brodie’s physical healing, he is also dealing with the emotional challenges and decided a visit to Florida will “absolutely” not happen any time soon.

“He is definitely afraid of Florida,” Peter added.

A GoFundMe was created to help the family cover unexpected medical expenses.

“Brodie’s passion for fishing, baseball and football have always brought him joy, and now he faces the challenge of adapting to his new circumstances while holding onto the things he loves,” the fundraiser’s description read.

“Brodie is now home and his spirits have lifted a bit since leaving the hospital especially with the overwhelming support he has received. We are extremely grateful for each and every one of you,” the fundraiser organizer wrote in a Tuesday, July 7, update.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission noted that serious injuries involving alligators are rare. The agency recommended that people should keep a safe distance, swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and never feed an alligator.

Source: https://people.com/dad-says-son-11-is-definitely-afraid-of-florida-after-losing-hand-in-alligator-attack-12014799