DNA analysis has confirmed that a 13-foot alligator was responsible for the fatal attack on hiker Brittany Clark, 31, in Little Big Econ State Forest in Central Florida on June 28, according to authorities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) verified that genetic material from the larger of two captured alligators matched bite wounds on Clark's body, as reported by WCJB.
Attack Details and Rescue Attempt
Clark was swimming in the Econlockhatchee River with her boyfriend, Chance Allison, 30, and flatmate, Jayden Hernandez, when the alligator attacked. Allison frantically tried to pull Clark away as the creature clamped its teeth into her arms, while their dogs attempted to ward it off from the riverbank. Clark reportedly saw both of her arms torn off, with one ripped away and the other hanging by a thread, according to her father.
In her dying moments, Clark pleaded with Allison to care for her German Shepherd, Hokie. "It was one of the last things she said to me. I can't recall anything else," Allison told The Post. He had also brought his Pitbull-mix, Bulma, on the hiking trip.
DNA Analysis and Investigation
Following the attack, trappers killed two massive alligators—one approximately 12 feet and another 13 feet—found in the river. The DNA was analyzed at a laboratory in Gainesville, and the medical examiner confirmed the 13-foot alligator's bite wounds matched Clark's injuries. FWC authorities stated the investigation continues, and further details will be released upon completion.
Family Grieving
Clark's father, Robert Clark, 57, a semi-retired motorcycle technician and former US Navy serviceman, received a distressing call from Hernandez as his daughter lay bleeding out. "They were trying to keep her alive and waiting for the authorities to show up," he told The Post. The family was already grieving the loss of Robert's mother, Barbara, 80, when they received the news of Brittany's death.
