Police have identified the 12-foot alligator that fatally mauled hiker Brittany Clark, 31, while she was swimming in a Florida river, using bite marks left on her arm to match the reptile's teeth.
Attack in Little Big Econ State Forest
Clark was killed on June 28 after being attacked by the alligator while hiking with her boyfriend, Chance Allison, friends and dogs in the Little Big Econ State Forest, northeast of Orlando. As she stood in just three feet of water during a group swim, the alligator lunged, grabbed her arm and dragged her into a death roll—a spinning maneuver used to overpower prey.
According to a preliminary report from the Orange County Medical Examiner obtained by the New York Post, 'A row of teeth on the gator head is consistent with teeth marks on the left arm.' After the initial attack, Allison tried to pull Clark away and was dragged into the water. The alligator briefly released her but attacked again, biting her other arm before retreating.
Catastrophic Injuries and Death
Allison managed to pull Clark to the riverbank, but she had suffered catastrophic injuries. The medical examiner's report noted her left arm was partially severed and her right arm had an open fracture consistent with injuries from the death roll. Friends called 911, and emergency crews found a faint pulse, but Clark died en route to the hospital, pronounced dead at 2:48 pm, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
A distressing 911 call captured a caller saying, 'Bad, real bad please, hurry… she's losing a lot of… please hurry…' When asked about injuries, the caller replied, 'Horrible. Both her arms are dislocated… off basically… one arm is completely off.'
Identification and Euthanasia
Wildlife officers captured and euthanized two large alligators—one 12.5 feet and another 13 feet—believed to be involved. DNA samples and bite mark analysis confirmed the smaller alligator's jaws matched the marks on Clark's arm, identifying it as the attacker. CCTV footage showed a police officer sprinting through bushes to reach Clark.
Clark's death was the third fatal alligator attack in Florida within seven days, with two occurring within 24 hours in Central Florida.
Tribute from Boyfriend
On Facebook, Allison paid tribute: 'I'm just still in disbelief of what took place. We had so many things planned out and memories to be made. You were such a special person and did not deserve to go out in such a way. I love you and don't worry about Shady and Hokie. I'll take care of them forever,' referring to Clark's two dogs.
