Brittany Clark, 31, died after being mauled by an alligator in the Econlockhatchee River at Little Big Econ State Forest on Sunday, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). A Seminole County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to treat Clark with a tourniquet after she was attacked while swimming in approximately three feet of water.
How did the alligator attack occur?
The incident happened during a hike when Clark, her boyfriend, and a friend stopped for a swim. According to FWC spokesperson Chad Weber, Clark was bitten on both arms. The attack was not described as malicious by officials.
In a 911 call, Clark’s boyfriend, Chance Allison, told operators that both of Clark’s arms were “basically” off and that he was attempting to pull her away from the alligator’s mouth. A female friend described the injuries as “terrible” during the same emergency call.
What was the emergency response?
Bodycam footage released by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office shows a deputy running through a wooded area to reach the riverbank. The footage captures the deputy locating the victim under a tent and applying a tourniquet to her injuries. Clark died from her wounds while being transported to the hospital, Weber stated.
Following the attack, authorities captured two alligators from the river measuring 12 feet and 13 feet. The FWC confirmed these reptiles were euthanized and sent for DNA testing.
How common are fatal alligator attacks in Florida?
The FWC reports an average of eight unprovoked alligator bites per year. Since 1948, Florida has recorded 26 fatal alligator attacks. The scale of the reptiles involved in this specific case—one 12 feet and one 13 feet—highlights the danger of large predators in shallow waters.
Comparison of Attack Data
| Metric | Florida State Data |
|---|---|
| Estimated Alligator Population | 1.3 Million |
| Avg. Annual Unprovoked Bites | 8 |
| Total Fatalities (Since 1948) | 26 |
What did the family say about Brittany Clark?
Chance Allison described Clark as the “strongest and most outgoing person” he had ever met in 30 years. In a text message to NBC News, Allison stated that Clark was an amazing and caring person who “didn’t deserve to go out in such a way.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the attack take place?
The attack occurred in the Econlockhatchee River within the Little Big Econ State Forest, located approximately 25 miles northeast of Orlando.
What happened to the alligators?
Two alligators, measuring 12 and 13 feet, were captured and euthanized for DNA testing by the FWC.
Were the victims doing anything to provoke the animals?
Chad Weber of the FWC stated that it does not seem the group was doing anything malicious during the incident.
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