In a tragic incident that occurred on June 28, 2026, Brittany Clark, a 31-year-old resident of Orlando, lost her life after being attacked by an alligator while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has confirmed through DNA analysis that a 13-foot alligator captured near the attack site was responsible for the fatal encounter.
The incident took place near the Barr Street Trailhead in the Little Big Econ State Forest, where Clark was swimming with her boyfriend, Chance Allison, and another friend. The attack occurred in shoulder-deep water, and the alligator’s aggressive behavior, known as a death roll resulted in severe injuries to Clark.
The Attack and Rescue Effort
According to the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office, the alligator initially grabbed Clark’s arm and began the violent spinning maneuver characteristic of a death roll. Allison attempted to intervene by pulling the alligator off Clark but was dragged underwater in the process. The alligator briefly released Clark before grabbing her other arm. After the alligator let go, Allison managed to bring Clark to shore and called 911. Despite immediate medical attention, Clark succumbed to her injuries en route to the hospital.
The FWC’s investigation into the incident remains active, with additional records to be released once the investigation is complete. The agency has emphasized that serious alligator attacks are rare in Florida, although alligators are present in freshwater bodies across all 67 counties.
Forensic Evidence and Alligator Behavior
Following the attack, contracted nuisance alligator trappers captured and euthanized two large alligators measuring approximately 12.5 feet and 13 feet. Laboratory results confirmed that Clark’s DNA matched the 13-foot alligator. The medical examiner also reported that bite marks on Clark’s arm were consistent with the front row of teeth from one of the captured alligators.
The FWC noted that alligators can become more territorial during their mating season, which typically runs from April through June. However, officials are not speculating about what prompted the attack. The agency urged residents and visitors to never feed or handle alligators, keep a safe distance, swim only in designated areas during daylight hours, and keep pets leashed and away from the water.
The FWC has provided several safety recommendations for individuals coming into contact with alligators. These include keeping a safe distance, keeping pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge, swimming only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours, and never feeding alligators. Feeding alligators is illegal and dangerous, as it can lead to the animals losing their natural wariness and associating people with food, potentially becoming a nuisance and needing to be removed from the wild.
The FWC’s Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program prioritizes public safety by investigating reports of alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets, or property. Residents can report nuisance alligators by calling the FWC Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR. The FWC also extended its condolences to Clark’s family and loved ones.
According to FWC data updated in February 2026, Florida recorded two fatal alligator attacks in 2026. The state also reported two fatal attacks in 2026 and 2026, one in 2019, one in 2018, one in 2016, and one in 2015. No fatal attacks were reported in 2026, 2026, 2026, or 2017.
