The horrific incident unfolded on Sunday in the picturesque Little Big Econ State Forest in central Florida, where 31-year-old Brittany Clark, a hiking enthusiast, was enjoying a hike with her best friend and boyfriend.
Clark, who loved the outdoors and was described as 'amazing' and 'caring' by her loved ones, died after wading into the Econlockhatchee River in an attempt to cool off. The three were three feet deep in the water when an alligator attacked, biting her arms and tearing one off, and severely injuring the other.
The boyfriend, Chance Allison, tried to fight off the 12-foot crocodilian, but it snatched them both into a death roll, a technique used by the species to kill prey underwater by violently twisting. Allison managed to free Clark, who was severely injured, while the alligator fled with her arm.
Clark's friend Jayden Hernandez called her dad, Robert, amid the frantic scene, and it was there that Robert received a harrowing 911 call. Clark's boyfriend, Allison, called 911 for help around 1.30pm, describing the horrific scene and telling the operator, "Both her arms, both her arms, both her arms are off, like, basically."
The medical examiner's report confirmed that Clark died from her injuries, and it is believed that the attack was linked to alligator mating season in Florida, during which the creatures are known to be more aggressive. Two alligators were culled after the attack, and their remains will be tested to see if they are related to the incident.
Clark's loved ones are mourning her loss, with her brother describing her as 'an amazing person' who was 'nice and helpful with anyone who needed any kind of help.' Clark was a passionate outdoors enthusiast who loved going into the water 'every chance she could,' but this incident has left her community in shock.
