Florida Woman Killed by Alligator While Swimming in Shallow River Near Orlando

A 31-year-old woman was killed Sunday after an alligator attacked her while she swam in the Econlockhatchee River in Seminole County, Florida, officials confirmed at a Monday news conference.

The victim had been hiking with her boyfriend and best friend at the Barr Street Trailhead in the Little Big Econ State Forest, about 20 miles east of Orlando. The group stopped to swim in the river in water approximately three feet deep when the attack occurred around 1:30 p.m. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to the incident and has opened a formal investigation. The victim's identity has not been released, as officials are still working to notify out-of-state family members.

The Attack and the 911 Call

The alligator bit the woman on both arms. Her boyfriend called 911 while attempting to pull her free from the animal.