A joyful outing with family and friends turned tragic for Brittany Clark, despite efforts to rescue her.
Brittany, a 31-year-old resident of Orlando, was enjoying a hike in Florida’s Little Big Econ State Forest with her boyfriend Chance Allison and friend Jayden Hernandez on June 28. Around 1:30 p.m., they decided to swim in the Econlockhatchee River, which was shallow at about three feet.
Tragedy struck when a 13-foot alligator approached them in the water and viciously attacked Brittany, ripping off both her arms. A medical examiner’s report stated that as Brittany was swimming, the alligator grabbed her arm and initiated a death roll. In a brave attempt to save her, Chance intervened, but they both ended up underwater.
Despite Chance’s efforts to free Brittany from the alligator’s grip, it was too late. The incident highlighted the gator’s predatory behavior, utilizing a death roll to overpower prey underwater.
Subsequently, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials captured and euthanized a 13-foot alligator at the scene and another 12.5-foot alligator half a mile away. The FWC expressed condolences to Brittany’s family and friends, vowing to continue investigating the incident.
Jayden, Brittany’s best friend, reminisced about the tragic event, emphasizing Brittany’s loving nature and the sudden attack they experienced. The hiking trail where the incident occurred, Barr Street Trailhead, is currently closed.
While rare, alligator attacks in the US are more likely during the mating season, which typically lasts from April to June. Brittany’s loved ones have set up a GoFundMe page to bring her remains back to California, describing her as a vibrant individual passionate about pets, firearms, and motorcycles.
For those interested in supporting Brittany’s family, the GoFundMe page can be accessed here.
