The boyfriend of a woman killed by an alligator in Florida desperately fought the huge reptile as it dragged them both underwater in a death roll, authorities say.
Brittany Clark, a 31-year-old from Orlando, was hiking with her partner Chance Allison and a friend on June 28 when the attack happened in the Little Big Econ State Forest. They were taking a dip in the Econlockhatchee River at around 1.30 p.m when the gator struck.
“While they were swimming an alligator grabbed [Clark] by her arm and began the death roll,” a medical examiner’s report obtained by The Daily Mail 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.”
A harrowing audio recording of the call obtained by CBS12 revealed that Clark lost an arm in the “horrible” attack.
Her family has now paid tribute to the young woman, describing her as someone who loved the outdoors and adventure.
“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 responded to the scene after the friend’s 911 call.
The FWC told People that officers found a 13-foot alligator at the scene, while they discovered a 12.5-foot alligator around half a mile away. They captured and killed both reptiles, took samples from each, and continue to actively investigate the incident.
“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 FWC told People that this alligator attack marked the third incident in Central Florida in just seven days.
On June 28, an alligator bit a juvenile on the hand while they were fishing from a shore at Nelson Fish Camp in Marion County. Doctors treated the child at the hospital for their injuries, and an officer captured the 8ft gator responsible, the FWC said.
And on June 21, an alligator attacked a man on Marion County’s Rainbow River. He survived and has since been released from the hospital.
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