The tranquil waters of the Econlockhatchee River in Seminole County, Florida, became the scene of a tragic incident on June 28, 2026. Brittany Clark, a 31-year-old Orlando resident, lost her life after an alligator attack while swimming with her boyfriend in the Little Big Econ State Forest. The harrowing details of the incident have been revealed through newly released bodycam footage and 911 calls.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) identified Clark as the victim of the attack, which occurred in approximately 3 feet of water near the Barr Street Trailhead. The incident has sparked discussions about water safety and alligator behavior in the region.
The Incident and Rescue Attempt
Newly released bodycam footage from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office shows first responders navigating the dense vegetation and murky waters to reach the scene. The footage captures the urgency of the situation as emergency crews search for Clark and attempt to provide aid. According to FWC, first responders were called to the scene around 1:30 p.m. after reports that a swimmer had been bitten by an alligator.
The 911 call, lasting approximately 13 minutes, provides a chilling account of the moments following the attack. The caller, believed to be Clark’s boyfriend, Chance Allison, described the severity of her injuries, stating that “both her arms are dislocated” and “one arm is completely off.” The caller’s pleas for immediate medical attention were urgent, with crying and wailing heard in the background. “She’s losing a lot of blood,” the caller repeated, emphasizing the need for swift action.
The Rescue Effort
The bodycam footage shows a deputy running through the woods, asking for directions to the scene. Upon arrival, the deputy quickly assesses the situation and retrieves a tourniquet to help control the bleeding. The footage ends before the full extent of the rescue effort is shown, but the 911 call provides further details. Allison and another individual dragged Clark from the water and attempted to administer first aid. “We’re far off the trail, we’re off of a little launch area by the river… We need help now!” Allison urged the operator.
Investigation and Alligator Behavior
The FWC has been conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident. Wildlife officers captured and removed two large alligators from the area: one measuring about 13 feet and another about 12.5 feet. Samples were collected from both animals to determine if either was involved in the attack. The investigation is expected to include DNA testing and other forensic evidence.
Alligator expert Frank Robb emphasized that fatal alligator attacks remain extremely rare. He urged Floridians to stay aware around waterways, swim only in designated areas, and never feed alligators. The FWC also warned that drought conditions across Florida have left water levels lower than normal, making it difficult to spot alligators in the water.
Understanding Alligator Behavior
The incident occurred as the end of alligators’ mating season approached, a time when alligators can be “very territorial,” according to Chad Weber, Public Information Officer for the FWC. However, the exact reason for the attack remains unclear. “It’s hard to speculate and pinpoint what the exact reason was,” Weber stated. The FWC continues to analyze the collected samples to determine if the harvested alligators were involved in the incident.
Remembering Brittany Clark
Family members and friends have remembered Clark as a “fun-loving spirit” who enjoyed spending time outdoors. Beyond her passion for outdoor activities and operating bulldozers, Clark was also drawn to rave culture and cherished her felines, Shady and Hokulani. In a heartfelt Facebook tribute, Allison expressed his disbelief and grief, stating, “I’m just still in disbelief of what took place. We had so many things planned out and memories to be made.”
The medical examiner’s report confirmed that Clark died en route to the hospital after suffering “multiple blunt force injuries to the upper extremities.” The document further indicated that upon first responders’ arrival at the scene, Clark exhibited a faint, “thready” pulse. The incident remains under investigation by the FWC and local authorities.
