SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A 31-year-old Orlando woman has died following an alligator attack while swimming in a Central Florida river on Sunday. Brittany Clark was killed in the Econlockhatchee River located within Little Big Econ State Forest. Her boyfriend and friends are remembering her as having a "fun-loving spirit" who loved being out on the water.
Investigation Underway by FWC
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is actively investigating the deadly encounter. Frank Robb, an expert with more than three decades of experience dealing with Florida alligators, provided insight into the agency's procedures following such incidents.
"The guys who go out there to do that job, the trappers who go out there to find the animal that is the problem, they're pretty dang good at their jobs," Robb told WESH-TV. "FWC has a lot of steps; they'll look at bite patterns, look for DNA things that nature."
Following the attack, FWC officials captured and killed two alligators in the area. The first was a 13-foot reptile found near where Clark suffered severe bites. A second gator, measuring 12-and-a-half feet, was located approximately half a mile away.
DNA Testing to Confirm Involvement
The FWC has submitted DNA samples from the harvested alligators to a laboratory in Gainesville for testing. The primary goal is to confirm if these specific animals were involved in the deadly attack. Investigators will examine the mouth and stomach of the reptiles.
A 911 call made by one of Clark's friends described the bite as "horrible." Robb noted that eyewitness accounts from individuals present at the scene significantly assist the investigation process.
Public Safety Reminders
This incident follows reports of three alligator attacks within a seven-day period in Central Florida. Experts emphasize the importance of awareness when near water bodies across the state.
"You can find alligators in pretty much every body of water in Florida. It's just, it's about being aware of your surroundings," Robb said. He advised residents to keep their distance from reptiles, never feed them, and only swim in designated areas.
An online fundraiser for Clark is currently raising money to return her remains to her parents in California. The campaign describes the event as a "completely bizarre accident" that claimed the life of an avid bike rider and dog lover who would have never anticipated such a nightmare coming.
