Florida woman killed in alligator attack remembered: Full of life, adventure, kindness

Key Points:

• Brittany Clark, a 31-year-old woman from Orlando, died after being attacked by an alligator while swimming with friends in Little Big Econ State Forest on June 28; she was rushed to the hospital but died in the ambulance.
• Two large alligators, measuring 12.5 and 13 feet, were captured and killed near the attack site, with DNA tests underway to determine if either was responsible for the attack.
• This incident was the third alligator attack in Central Florida within a week, including bites to a man snorkeling and a child fishing, highlighting the presence of alligators in many Florida waterways.
• The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) emphasized that alligator attacks are rare but possible, advising the public to avoid feeding or handling alligators, swim only in designated areas, and keep pets away from water.
• Over the past decade, Florida has experienced multiple alligator-related deaths and injuries annually, with the FWC actively managing nuisance alligators through trapping and removal to reduce risks to people.