Florida Man Fights Off Giant Alligator After It Attacks Girlfriend in River

On Sunday around 1:30 p.m. local time, 31-year-old Britney Clark was fatally attacked by a massive alligator while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River in central Florida with her boyfriend Chance Allison and another friend. The group had stopped hiking to swim in about 90 centimeters of water when the alligator suddenly emerged and bit Clark. Allison bravely fought the alligator, managing to momentarily free Clark from its jaws, but she lost both hands and died en route to the hospital.

According to a post-mortem report published by the Daily Mail, the alligator attempted a "death roll," a violent maneuver used by crocodilians to subdue prey. Allison grabbed the alligator and pulled it underwater with Clark, eventually freeing her briefly before the alligator bit her other hand. He then dragged them toward shore, where he performed CPR after the alligator released its grip.

Authorities hunted and killed two large alligators, measuring 3.6 and 3.9 meters, in the area following the attack. DNA tests will determine if either was responsible. The incident was the third alligator attack in Florida within a week, with experts warning that alligators become more territorial and aggressive during breeding season from April to June. They advise swimming only in designated areas and avoiding contact with alligators.

Clark, originally from California and living in Orlando, was described as a passionate cyclist and animal lover. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help repatriate her body. Allison told NBC she was the strongest person he knew and loved the water, expressing disbelief over the tragedy.