ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Brittany Clark, a 31-year-old woman from Orlando, was killed after being attacked by an alligator while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River at Little Big Econ State Forest on Sunday, according to Florida wildlife officials.
Authorities said Clark was hiking with her boyfriend, Chance Allison, and a friend before the group entered the river to cool off in approximately three feet of water when the alligator attacked.
The fatal attack occurred in the Econlockhatchee River, located within Little Big Econ State Forest, about 25 miles northeast of Orlando.
Boyfriend Tried to Rescue Brittany Clark During Attack
According to officials and a medical examiner's report, the alligator grabbed Clark by one of her arms and began a spinning maneuver commonly known as a "death roll."
The report states that Allison immediately attempted to free Clark by grabbing the alligator as it dragged them underwater.
He was able to briefly free one of Clark's arms before the alligator latched onto her other arm. Allison ultimately managed to pull Clark toward shore after the alligator released her.
He began CPR while another member of the group called 911.
In the emergency call, Allison can be heard desperately telling the dispatcher that Clark had suffered devastating injuries to both arms and was losing a significant amount of blood as he pleaded for first responders to arrive quickly.
Despite rescue efforts, Clark later died from her injuries.
Florida Wildlife Officials Investigating Fatal Alligator Attack
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) spokesperson Chad Weber said the group appeared to be wading or swimming in approximately three feet of water when the attack occurred.
"It doesn't seem they were doing anything malicious," Weber said while extending condolences to Clark's family.
Following the attack, wildlife officers captured and euthanized two alligators measuring approximately 12 feet and 13 feet from the river. Officials said both animals were submitted for DNA testing as investigators work to determine which alligator was responsible for the fatal attack.
Boyfriend Remembers Brittany Clark
In a text message to NBC News, Allison described Clark as "such an amazing and caring person" who "didn't deserve to go out in such a way."
He added that she was "the strongest and most outgoing person" he had ever known.
Fatal Alligator Attacks Remain Rare in Florida
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the state averages about eight unprovoked alligator bites each year.
Since officials began tracking attacks in 1948, there have been 26 fatal alligator attacks in Florida, which is home to an estimated 1.3 million alligators.
The investigation into the fatal attack remains ongoing.