A crocodile leaped from the water at a lake in Ethiopia, killing a pastor performing baptisms Sunday morning,

according to the BBC.

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It happened during a ceremony at Lake Abaya in Merkeb Tabya District in southern Ethiopia.

Some 80 people had gathered for the baptisms, the BBC reported, when suddenly the large reptile attacked Docho Eshete, biting his legs, back and hands.

"He baptized the first person and he passed on to another one. All of a sudden, a crocodile jumped out (of) the lake and grabbed the pastor," a witness told the BBC.

Eshete died from his injuries, despite the efforts of residents who tried to save him.

Residents used nets to bring his body to shore, but were unable to catch the croc, which escaped.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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