Overview
- The attack, which occurred Sunday, June 28, in the Econlockhatchee River at Little Big Econ State Forest, left 31-year-old Brittany Clark with catastrophic arm injuries and she died while being taken to hospital.
- Harrowing 911 audio and a medical examiner’s report show Clark’s boyfriend, Chance Allison, wrestled the alligator as it performed a violent “death roll,” briefly freed her, dragged them to shore, and began CPR.
- Florida Fish and Wildlife trappers captured and humanely killed two large alligators — about 12 to 13 feet long — and officials have sent tissue samples for forensic DNA testing to determine which animal was responsible.
- FWC and local agencies say there is no sign the group provoked the animal and point to drought-driven low water and seasonal mating or nesting behavior as factors that can concentrate gators and raise the chance of encounters.
- The Barr Street Trailhead remains closed, FWC urges use of its nuisance-alligator reporting process, and the case highlights how the agency’s Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program uses trappers and DNA for threat response and investigation.