WOMAN KILLED BY ALLIGATOR IN FLORIDA RIVER IDENTIFIED AS BRITTANY CLARK

Brittany Clark, 31, from Orlando, was attacked and killed by an alligator in the Econlockhatchee River at Little Big Econ State Forest on Sunday. The attack occurred while Clark and her boyfriend were swimming in approximately 3 feet of water during a hike about 25 miles north-east of Orlando. Her boyfriend called emergency services during the attack, telling operators that both of her arms had been severed. Clark died from her injuries whilst being transported to hospital.

According to a medical examiner's report, the alligator seized Clark by her arm and performed a "death roll" whilst submerged. Her boyfriend attempted to free her from the alligator's grasp during the attack, but was dragged underwater alongside her. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesperson Chad Weber stated that the couple "were hiking and they just stopped to swim" and "it doesn't seem they were doing anything malicious". Authorities subsequently removed two alligators — measuring 12 feet and 13 feet in length — from the river and euthanised them. Both animals were sent for DNA testing to confirm involvement in the attack.

Chad Weber said authorities offered condolences to Clark's family. The attack represents a rare occurrence of fatal alligator-related injury in Florida. No further details regarding the investigation have been disclosed.