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DNA links 13-foot alligator to fatal Econlockhatchee River attack

FWC said recent laboratory testing confirmed Clark’s DNA matched the 13-foot alligator captured at the attack site

Alligator attack in Seminole County Florida state wildlife officials responded to Little Big Econ State Forest on June 28 for a deadly gator attack. (WFTV staff)

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida wildlife investigators confirmed the 13-foot alligator responsible for killing a 31-year-old Orlando woman after last month’s Econlockhatchee River attack.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced that DNA evidence matched Brittany Clark to the 13-foot alligator involved in the June 28 attack.

Clark was swimming with friends in the Econlockhatchee River near the Barr Street Trailhead in Little Big Econ State Forest when she was bitten by an alligator, suffering catastrophic injuries. Her friends pulled her out and called 911, but she later died at a hospital.

In the hours after the attack, FWC officers, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and a contracted nuisance alligator trapper responded, removing two large alligators and collecting biological samples for the investigation.

FWC said recent laboratory testing confirmed Clark’s DNA matched the 13-foot alligator captured at the attack site, identifying it as the animal responsible for the fatal attack.

The agency said its investigation remains active and that additional records and information will be released once it is complete.

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Jake Jordan

Jake Jordan, WFTV.com

Jake Jordan is a UCF Radio and Television alum on the WFTV Content Center Team. He hosts podcasts and live shows, and previously worked as a producer, reporter, and anchor on Orlando's Morning News with Scott Anez.

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