A hiker was fatally attacked by a 13-foot alligator while swimming in Florida's Econlockhatchee River, according to officials and an emotional account from her best friend. Brittany Clark, 31, died from her injuries on the way to the hospital after the Sunday encounter at Little Big Econ State Forest.
Clark's friend, Jayden Hernandez, recounted the moments leading up to the attack, stating that she, Clark, and Clark's boyfriend, Chance Allison, had joked about "air bubbles" in the murky, three-foot-deep water. Hernandez described in a Facebook post how they had a lighthearted exchange about a potential alligator before Allison swam through the area to show nothing was there.
"Britt literally commented on how she thought he was gonna act like he got attacked and we just laughed because chance would never do that," Hernandez wrote. "And just a few minutes later my bestfriend got attacked."
Allison attempted to rescue Clark from the reptile's jaws as it inflicted severe injuries, described in a 911 call as "horrible," with one arm reportedly "completely off and the other one is like attached barely." The boyfriend made the frantic call to emergency services, pleading for help as Clark lost a significant amount of blood.
Paramedics were dispatched, and officials confirmed Clark passed away en route to the hospital. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that their investigation found no evidence of malicious provocation towards the alligator. Officials suggested that factors such as low water levels or territorial behavior might have contributed to the attack.
Hernandez paid tribute to Clark, calling her a "beautiful unforgettable soul" who left a significant impact on those she met. The notes indicate dogs were also present and running near the water during the incident. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesperson Chad Weber confirmed Clark sustained bites to both arms during the attack.