- Brittany Clark, 31, was attacked and killed by an alligator while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River in Florida.
- The attack occurred during a group hike on Sunday afternoon, approximately at 1:30 p.m.
- Two alligators, measuring 12.5 and 13 feet, were captured and euthanized as part of the ongoing investigation.
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA — Days after a man was killed by a crocodile at a Puerto Vallarta resort beach, another deadly reptile attack has shocked witnesses and wildlife officials. This time, a 31-year-old Florida woman died after an alligator attacked her while she was swimming in a river after a hike.
The victim was identified as Brittany Clark of Orlando.
The attack happened Sunday afternoon in the Econlockhatchee River near the Barr Street Trailhead in Little Big Econ State Forest.
Stopped to Swim During Hike
Florida wildlife officials said Clark had been hiking with her boyfriend and friends before the group stopped to swim in the river.
The group was in about three feet of water when a large alligator attacked.
Officials said the attack happened around 1:30 p.m.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said there was no indication that Clark or the group provoked the alligator before the attack.
Boyfriend Tried to Save Her
Clark’s boyfriend, identified in reports as Chance Allison, tried to pull her away from the alligator.
Officials said he fought to get her free while others called 911 and tried to help from the riverbank.
Emergency calls released after the attack captured the panic as witnesses described Clark’s severe injuries and pleaded for help.
Clark suffered catastrophic injuries during the attack.
She was taken from the scene as a trauma alert and later died from her injuries.
Two Alligators Captured
Wildlife officers later captured two large alligators from the area as part of the investigation.
Reports said the alligators measured about 12.5 feet and 13 feet.
Both were euthanized.
Officials said DNA testing would help determine which animal was responsible for the fatal attack.
The investigation remains active.
Low Water and Mating Season Raised Risks
Wildlife officials said the river’s water level was lower than normal because of drought conditions.
Experts said lower water can increase the chance of people and alligators coming into close contact.
The attack also happened during alligator mating season, when the animals can be more active and territorial.
Officials reminded the public to swim only in designated areas and to stay alert near freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands in Florida.
Rare but Deadly Attack
Fatal alligator attacks remain rare in Florida, even though the state has an estimated 1.3 million alligators.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says serious unprovoked bites happen only a limited number of times each year.
Still, officials said people should never assume shallow water is safe, especially in areas where alligators are known to live.
The Barr Street Trailhead area was temporarily closed after the attack.
Family and Friends Remember Clark
Clark’s family and friends remembered her as adventurous, fun-loving, and full of life.
Photos shared publicly showed her smiling, spending time outdoors, and enjoying travel and nature.
Loved ones said she had moved from California to Florida and enjoyed an active life.
Her death has left her family and friends grieving while investigators continue reviewing the attack.
To view more cases involving deadly animal attacks, outdoor tragedies, and sudden vacation or hiking disasters, check out our video here:
