A 13-foot alligator has been captured after wildlife officials confirmed it was responsible for the fatal attack on a Florida woman last month.
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Brittany Clark, 31, was swimming in the Econlockhatchee River with her boyfriend and roommate on June 28. She was attacked near the Barr Street Trailhead in Little Big Econ State Forest.
The Orlando woman suffered catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead while being transported to the hospital.
DNA Confirms Alligator Attack Victim Was Killed by 13-Foot Gator
Following the attack, wildlife officers removed and euthanized two large alligators from the Econlockhatchee River. One measured approximately 12 feet, while the other was 13 feet long.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said DNA collected from the larger alligator confirmed it was responsible for the deadly attack. According to officials, the DNA was analyzed at a laboratory in Gainesville. Investigators also said the medical examiner determined that bite marks on Clark's body matched one of the two alligators.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say additional information will be released once it is complete.
Boyfriend Tried to Pull Clark From Alligator
According to investigators, Clark was swimming in shoulder-deep water with her boyfriend, Chance Allison, and roommate, Jayden Hernandez. The alligator suddenly grabbed her arm and began what officials described as a "death roll."
"[Allison] grabbed the alligator trying to get it to release [Clark] ... when it took them both underwater releasing [Clark] for a moment and then grabbing her other arm," the report said.
Once the alligator released her, Allison pulled Clark to shore and called 911. Clark's father, Robert, later revealed that he received a devastating phone call from her roommate as his daughter fought for her life.
"They were trying to keep her alive and waiting for the authorities to show up," the 57-year-old told the New York Post.
Although serious alligator attacks remain rare in Florida, wildlife officials continue to urge residents and visitors to stay alert. Especially around freshwater habitats.
The FWC advises people to keep a safe distance from alligators. As well as to swim only in designated areas during daylight hours, and never feed or approach the reptiles.
