The medical examiner ruled Brittany Clark’s death accidental after she was attacked while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River.
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A newly released autopsy found that Brittany Clark died from multiple blunt-force injuries suffered during an alligator attack in a Central Florida river, providing new details about the June 28 encounter that killed the 31-year-old woman.
Associate Medical Examiner Jenaye Mack ruled Clark’s death an accident after examining injuries caused by the animal, according to reports citing the 11-page autopsy. The findings documented severe injuries to both arms and bite marks near her left shoulder. Clark died as emergency responders transported her to a hospital.
Clark was swimming with her boyfriend, Chance Allison, and another friend in the Econlockhatchee River near the Barr Street Trailhead at Little Big Econ State Forest when the alligator attacked. The group was in shoulder-deep water, according to the medical examiner’s preliminary account.
The report said the alligator grabbed one of Clark’s arms and began spinning in the water. Allison grabbed the animal and tried to make it release her, but the alligator pulled both of them underwater. It briefly let Clark go before biting her other arm, investigators said.
After the animal released Clark, Allison brought her to shore and called 911. He began emergency aid while first responders traveled to the remote area. Clark had a weak pulse when help arrived and was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
The autopsy documented near-complete traumatic amputations involving Clark’s left arm at the shoulder and her right forearm. Investigators also found bite marks on bones near her left shoulder blade and collarbone. The findings were described in medical terms in the report, but authorities have released the information as part of their examination of the fatal attack.
Wildlife trappers captured and euthanized two large alligators from the area after the attack. One measured about 12½ feet, while the other was approximately 13 feet long. The medical examiner reported that a row of teeth from one animal was consistent with bite marks found during the examination.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission later announced that laboratory testing matched Clark’s DNA to the 13-foot alligator. The agency said the result confirmed that the larger of the two captured animals was involved in the attack.
Clark was identified in reports as an Orlando resident who worked as a heavy-equipment operator and construction foreman. Family members remembered her as adventurous and said she enjoyed motorcycles, scuba diving, hiking and other outdoor activities.
The attack occurred during a period when alligators can become more active and territorial. Wildlife officials did not announce a specific reason the animal attacked Clark. The commission has said serious attacks remain uncommon even though alligators live in freshwater habitats throughout Florida.
State records available before Clark’s death listed 500 documented alligator attacks in Florida since 1948, including 32 fatalities. Officials said those figures include encounters classified as unprovoked, and they continued investigating the circumstances surrounding Clark’s death.
The Barr Street Trailhead remained closed after the attack while authorities reviewed the site. The wildlife commission said its investigation was still active and that additional records would be released after the inquiry is completed.
Author note: Last updated August 1, 2026.