Florida Woman Killed by Large Alligator While Swimming in State Forest

Overview

• The attack happened Sunday, June 28, when 31-year-old Brittany Clark was swimming in about 90 cm of water on the Econlockhatchee River near the Barr Street trail and was seized by a roughly 3.6–4.0 meter alligator.
• The medical examiner reported the alligator grabbed Clark's arm and performed a 'death roll,' causing catastrophic injuries and severe blood loss that led to her death en route to a hospital.
• Her boyfriend, Chance Allison, and a friend tried to pull her free and performed CPR while calling 911; recordings and police body-camera images document frantic rescue efforts at the scene.
• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said crews removed two large alligators after the incident and closed the recreation area while samples are tested and authorities review public safety steps.
• Florida hosts about 1.5 million alligators and averages roughly eight unprovoked bites a year, a fact fisheries officials cite as they urge caution near murky or shallow water and explain this incident will prompt local safety outreach and monitoring.