Haunting joke roommate of woman mauled to death by alligator made moments before
The tragic tale of Brittany Clark and the killer alligator has just got a little bit weird.
Incase you hadn't heard, the 31-year-old was swimming in the Econlockhatchee River of Little Big Econ State Forest last Sunday (28 June) with her boyfriend Chance Allison and roommate Jayden Hernandez when the animal attack occurred.
Brittany, Chance and Jayden were kneeling in around three-feet of water when the alligator surprised them, snapping one of the victim's arms clean off with its spearhead teeth while the other corresponding limb hung on by a thread.
Chade Weber, spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said 24 hours later: "They were hiking and they just stopped to swim. She was bitten on both of her arms.
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"The boyfriend was the one that made the phone call. He was trying to get her from the alligator's mouth, and on the way to the hospital she did pass away from her injuries."
But now it's come to light that perhaps Jayden has powers of prognostication - joking with her two friends moments before the attack that a deadly reptile could be in the vicinity.
Via Facebook, the shook-up roommate recalled remarking on the 'murky' water and what could be waiting beneath it as they paddled.
"There were air bubbles within our little triangle we made with our bodies in the water and I commented on how it might be a sneaky gator, and Chance, Brittany's boyfriend, swam right over it to show nothing was there and nothing was there.
"[Brittany] literally commented on how she thought he was gonna act like he got attacked and we just laughed. It was just a joke... and just a few minutes later my best friend got attacked."
Once the alligator's jaws met Brittany's arm, it began the 'death roll' manouvere, generating immense strength to tear pieces of its prey apart.
Following the woman's death, her bereaved family set up a GoFundMe in an attempt to return Brittany's body home.
One of her heartbroken aunties wrote: "In memory of Brittany's fun loving spirit. My 31-year-old niece, Brittany, has just passed away in a completely bizarre accident. She was an amazing person and a fun-loving soul.
"If anyone could have it in their hearts to help get her remains back to California to be with her parents, the family would be very grateful. Even if you cannot donate, please pray for our family as we navigate through this tragic journey."
At the time of writing, the campaign's $5,000 target (£3,741) has been smashed, with donations reaching $10,376 (£7,764).
The FWC empathised with the family in the wake of this freak tragedy, stating: :The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the victim's family and loved ones. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time."
Dan Seddon