A witness statement from a visitor at Orlando's SeaWorld details the horrifying moment an orca swam past the viewing window with its dead trainer in its mouth.
SeaWorld's poster girl Dawn Brancheau worked with orcas at the Orlando resort for over 15 years.
However, while working with 12,000lb killer whale Tilikum - also known as ‘Tilly’ or by the generic stage name of ‘Shamu’ - in March 2010, the 40-year-old was grabbed by the orca and pulled underwater.
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A woman named Susanne De Wit was there at the time of the incident and spotted Brancheau in the mouth of the orca as it swam towards the viewing window.
The witness spoke out about the ordeal following an investigation into Brancheau's death by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration - which later imposed a ban on trainers entering the water with whales during shows.
In a statement to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Susanne De Wit said: "They told us he was playing with the trainer. Suddenly, I saw Shamu grabbing the trainer by the shoulder and pulling her down in the water near the window.
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"It did not look normal. It was scary. He was very wild with the trainer still in the whale’s mouth. The whale’s tail was very wild in the water.
"The tour guide pulled us out and there was a full alarm. We then saw them throw a net into the water."
A report into the incident also referred to an interview with De Wit, who had been visiting from the Netherlands, saying how she recalled seeing Brancheau’s legs as she moved ‘extremely fast’ while the whale ‘was shaking’.
Speaking to The Sun last year, Brancheau’s sister, Debbie Frogameni, said the family was still trying to understand what had happened.
"Some days, I think we are still processing her loss," she said.
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"Dawn was just so special to so many people and I'm not sure you ever get past losing someone like her.
"I think we do find some comfort knowing that she accomplished and experienced more in her short 40 years than most people who live long lives.
"But that doesn't take away what our family and the world lost that day."
In a statement to the outlet, SeaWorld said: "That tragic situation happened more than 12 years ago. Trainers have not been in the water training with killer whales for many years.
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"We have extensive protocols and training in place to protect the safety of our trainers and animals."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: Animals, World News, US News