Brittany Clark’s DNA found on 13-foot alligator in deadly Florida incident

Lawmakers Address Tragic Alligator Attack in Florida

Body camera footage reveals Seminole County deputies responding to a fatal alligator attack on June 28 in Little Big Econ State Forest. The victim, identified as Brittany Clark, 31, unfortunately passed away after being transported to a hospital as a trauma alert.

Wildlife authorities have confirmed that Clark’s DNA was found in a large, 13-foot alligator captured after it was injured in a river last month.

The Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) disclosed that laboratory analysis matched Clark’s DNA to the alligator caught following the tragic incident in the Econlockhatchee River. Clark, an Orlando resident, was swimming near the Burr Street Trailhead with friends when she was attacked. Unfortunately, she died from her injuries en route to the hospital.

A preliminary report from the Orange County Coroner’s Office highlighted that Clark was in shoulder-deep water with her boyfriend, Chance Allison, and another companion when the alligator attacked. It clamped down on her arm and performed what has been referred to by investigators as a “death roll.”

After the alligator released her, Allison rushed her to shore and called for emergency help. Body camera footage captured the deputies as they responded to the scene.

Reports indicate that after the attack, FWC trappers captured and euthanized two large alligators, one measuring 12.5 feet and the other at 13 feet, to determine which one was responsible for the attack using DNA testing. The FWC also confirmed that bite marks found on Clark’s arm corresponded to the teeth of the captured alligator.

While serious alligator attacks are rare in Florida, FWC noted that alligators inhabit freshwater locations throughout the state. Officials did not speculate on the motivations behind the attack but highlighted that alligators can exhibit territorial behavior, particularly during mating season, typically from April to June.

FWC has urged the public to maintain a safe distance from alligators and to keep pets leashed and away from water, as pets can resemble the alligator’s natural prey. Swimming should only occur in designated areas and preferably during daylight hours, as alligators are most active at night.