Brittany Clark, a 31-year-old woman from Orlando, died Sunday afternoon after she was attacked by an alligator while swimming with her boyfriend and a group of friends in the Econlockhatchee River near the Barr Street Trailhead in Seminole County, Florida.
The group had been hiking through the Little Big Econ State Forest before stopping to cool off in the river around 1:30 p.m. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials say the water was only about three feet deep when the attack occurred.
Clark’s boyfriend, Chance Allison, tried to pull her away from the animal, but her injuries were severe. She died on the way to the hospital.
A hiker who had visited the area for decades said he warned the group earlier that day to stay out of the water because of alligators in the area. He recalled that the group seemed happy and relaxed just hours before the tragedy.
Wildlife officers responded quickly, capturing and killing two large alligators near the scene, one measuring 13 feet and another just half a mile away at 12.5 feet. Samples from both animals have been sent to a lab in Gainesville so DNA testing can confirm whether either was responsible for the attack.
Remembering Brittany Clark
Family and friends describe Clark as an outgoing, caring person who loved spending time outdoors. Her brother, Nate Clark, said the past several days have been extremely difficult for the family, especially since they are also grieving the recent loss of their grandmother, who died just days before the attack.
Clark grew up in California and moved to Florida, where loved ones say she embraced an active lifestyle centered around biking and time on the water. A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help bring her remains back to her parents in California, describing her as a fun-loving soul who touched everyone around her.
Her boyfriend shared an emotional statement afterward, saying he never imagined something like this could happen and calling her the strongest person he had ever known.
Key details from officials and family include:
- The attack happened in about three feet of water during a group swim
- Two alligators over 12 feet long were captured and killed following the incident
- DNA testing will determine which alligator was involved
- The area remains closed to the public while the investigation continues
- This marks the third alligator attack reported in Central Florida within a single week
Experts are urging swimmers to avoid unmarked or unofficial swimming spots, keep a safe distance from alligators at all times, and never feed the animals, since doing so can make them more comfortable approaching humans.
As the investigation continues, Clark’s family is focused on funeral arrangements while trying to process the sudden loss. Friends say they hope her story serves as a reminder for others to stay cautious around Florida’s waterways, where alligator encounters remain a serious risk even in shallow, seemingly calm areas.
