Brittany Clark, 31, died after being mauled by an alligator while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River in central Florida on Sunday. The attack occurred around 1:30 pm when Clark, her boyfriend Chance Allison, and another friend decided to swim during a hike at Little Big Econ State Forest.
911 Call Captures Desperate Plea
The 911 audio reveals Chance Allison calling emergency services while trying to fight off the alligator. Screams and crying are heard in the background as he tells the dispatcher he is "still trying to get her arms away from the alligator's mouth." Moments later, he reports that "both her arms, both her arms are off." A friend can be heard saying one arm was "hanging by a thread." When asked about the other arm, the friend responds: "Gone."
Allison describes the attack as "bad, real bad" and pleads with emergency personnel to "please hurry." He says, "She's losing a lot of..." before his voice trails off. He tells the dispatcher the alligator eventually "went away" but that Brittany suffered "horrible" injuries. He explains that he and his companion pulled her from the water. "We're far off the trail, we're off of a little launch area by the river... We need help now!" he urges.
Medical Examiner's Report Details Attack
The medical examiner's report, obtained by the Daily Mail, describes the attack in detail. The group was swimming in "shoulder-deep water" in the Econlockhatchee River when the alligator suddenly grabbed Clark and began a "death roll." A death roll is a hunting technique used by alligators to subdue prey by rotating onto their back and dragging the victim underwater to drown.
According to the report, "Her boyfriend Chance grabbed the alligator trying to get it to release her when it took them both underwater." Chance managed to force the predator to release Clark's arm "for a moment," but it then clamped down on her opposite arm. He attempted to bring them both to shore. "The alligator finally let go and CPR was started on shore by her boyfriend, and 911 was called," the report documents.
Aftermath and Investigation
Brittany Clark tragically died while being transported to hospital. Following the incident, wildlife officials euthanized the alligator responsible and severed its head, retaining it as evidence. The Barr Street Trailhead, the popular hiking trail Clark had been visiting, has been closed indefinitely.
