The 31-year-old victim was swimming with friends near the Barr Street Trailhead when she was bitten.
GENEVA, Fla. — A 31-year-old woman died Sunday after an alligator attacked her while she was swimming with friends in the Econlockhatchee River near the Barr Street Trailhead, Florida wildlife officials said.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the attack happened around 1:30 p.m. in the Little Big Econ State Forest area of Seminole County. The woman was taken to a hospital with serious injuries and later died. Authorities had not released her name as of Monday.
FWC officers, Seminole County deputies and Seminole County Fire Department crews responded to the river after the attack was reported. Deputies closed access to the trailhead while state wildlife officers investigated. A contracted nuisance alligator trapper was also sent to the area to search for the animal. Officials had not confirmed whether the alligator had been captured.
“The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time,” the agency said in a statement. Officials said the woman had been swimming with friends when the alligator bit her. They had not said how far she was from shore, how large the alligator was or whether anyone else was injured.
The attack was one of three reported alligator-related incidents in Central Florida within a week. A child was bitten in Marion County on Saturday while fishing, and an alligator bit a snorkeler on the Rainbow River on June 21. FWC records show Florida has tracked more than 500 alligator attacks since 1948, including 33 deaths.
People who know the river area described dark water and regular wildlife sightings. Leo Estupinan, who fishes there, told WFTV that he has seen large alligators nearby. “I’ve seen a couple big ones, probably a 12-foot gator,” Estupinan said.
The investigation remained open Monday. FWC had not announced the victim’s identity or confirmed the capture of the alligator involved in the fatal attack.
Author note: Last updated June 29, 2026.