A woman killed by an alligator that bit her arms off as she swam in just three feet of water with friends has been pictured for the first time.
Brittany Clark, a 31-year-old from Orlando, was set upon by a 12ft-13ft gator while hiking in the Little Big Econ State Forest with her boyfriend Chance Allison and her best friend Jayden Hernandez.
The trio were taking a dip in shallow waters in the Econlockhatchee River at around 1.30 p.m on June 28 when the gator struck.
Hernandez has now paid tribute to her “loving and selfless” friend, and opened up about how the horrifying attack unfolded in front of her.
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“There were air bubbles within our little triangle we made with our bodies in the water and I commented on how it might be a sneaky gator and Chance, Brittany’s boyfriend swam right over it to show nothing was there and nothing was there,” she wrote on Facebook.
“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 because he’s an amazing person and I know he is because she chose him and only one amazing strong soul chooses someone just as strong as it’s own.
“It was just a joke… and just a few minutes later my best friend got attacked.
“We called for help, and it felt like eternity talking to the dispatcher but it was only 12 minutes. 12 whole long minutes of my bestfriend holding it together being the strongest personn in the world.”
Clark’s boyfriend had fought the alligator in a desperate attempt to save her, according to a medical examiner’s report obtained by The Daily Mail.
“While they were swimming an alligator grabbed [Clark] by her arm and began the ‘death roll’,” the report said.
“Her boyfriend Chance grabbed the alligator trying to get it to release her when it took them both underwater.
“Chance attempted to bring them both to shore when the alligator finally let go and CPR was started on shore by her boyfriend, and 911 was called.”
In an audio recording obtained by CBS12, the caller said that the 31-year-old’s arm had “gone” completely.
In her post, Hernandez described Clark as “one of the strongest, care-free, feral, hardworking, most loving, selfless person I knew” in an emotional tribute.
“It was NOT her time at all, we had so many plans, and it’s not ok whatsoever but it will be ok eventually,” she wrote. “I wouldn’t wish this pain on anyone, my heart goes out to anyone that knew her because yall know that she was a beautiful unforgettable soul.”
Clark’s family has also paid tribute to the young woman, describing her as someone who loved the outdoors and adventure. In an image shared by Clark on her Facebook page, she can be seen posing with her dog while out on a walk in the forest.
“She was an amazing person; she was nice and helpful with anyone that needed any kind of help,” her brother Nick told Fox 35.
The siblings enjoyed dirt biking and wakeboarding when they were younger, the North Carolina resident added.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Forestry all attended the scene after the 911 call.
A 13-foot alligator was found at the scene, while a 12.5-foot alligator was also discovered around half a mile away, the FWC told People. Both were captured and killed, with samples from each reptile being taken and the investigation remains active.
“The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the victim’s family and loved ones,” the agency told the outlet. “Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.”
The alligator attack was the third incident to take place in Central Florida in just seven days, the FWC told People.
On June 28, a juvenile was bitten on the hand while fishing from a shore at Nelson Fish Camp in Marion County. The child was taken to the hospital for their injuries, and an officer captured the 8ft gator responsible, the FWC said.
And on June 21, a man was attacked on Marion County’s Rainbow River. He survived and has since been released from the hospital.
