The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has identified a woman from the Orlando area who was killed by an alligator over the weekend while swimming in a local river. The victim, identified as 31-year-old Brittany Clark of Orlando, died after being attacked on June 28 at the Econlockhatchee River within Little Big Econ State Forest in Seminole County.
Details of the Fatal Encounter
According to officials, Clark had been hiking with her boyfriend and best friend when they stopped to swim in approximately three feet of water. Authorities stated that an alligator latched onto Clark, causing serious injuries to both of her arms. Witnesses described seeing a "very large alligator" during the incident.
The FWC commander called it an "incredibly tragic incident," and public information officer Chad Weber shared condolences with Clark's friends and family.
Clark’s boyfriend attempted to pull her from the gator's mouth before calling 911. First responders rushed Clark to a nearby hospital, but she ultimately died before reaching medical care. The FWC noted that it does not appear as though the group did anything malicious toward the alligator prior to the attack.
Wildlife Response and Investigation
In response to the incident, wildlife officials captured two large gators near the scene: one measuring 13 feet long and another at 12.5 feet. The FWC is currently awaiting DNA testing results to determine if these specific alligators were involved in Clark's death.
Chad Weber explained that while investigators work to understand exactly what led up to the attack, several factors could be at play. "It could be any number of things," Weber said during a news conference. He noted that low water levels and the end of mating season, when alligators become more territorial, are potential contributing elements.
Regional Context on Alligator Encounters
This tragedy marks one of three reported alligator attacks in Central Florida over the past week. In Marion County, a snorkeler was bitten along the Rainbow River, and a child suffered hand injuries while fishing at Nelson Fish Camp on the Ocklawaha River; both survivors recovered from their wounds.
Despite these recent events, the FWC emphasized that serious injuries caused by alligators remain rare in Florida. Officials remind residents and visitors that there is always a risk of encountering gators when swimming in any freshwater body in the state. The public is encouraged to report concerns about aggressive wildlife via the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.
