SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau’s tragic death in 2010 left many heartbroken. She was killed by Tilikum, a 22.5-foot orca she had regularly performed with at Orlando’s SeaWorld. Tilikum’s sudden and violent attack during a show led to a tragic end for Brancheau, who had a deep bond with the orca. John Hargrove, a senior trainer, reflected, “He had a great relationship with her, and she had a great relationship with him. I do believe that he loved her, and I know that she loved him.”

The incident took a horrifying turn when Tilikum grabbed Brancheau by her ponytail, pulling her into the water. He thrashed violently, making it impossible for her to escape. Despite efforts to save her, the attack lasted 45 minutes, ending in her death by drowning and blunt force trauma. Tilikum’s attack left Brancheau with severe injuries, including a broken jaw, ribs, and a severed spinal cord.

A park visitor, Susanne De Wit, recalled, “It did not look normal. It was scary. He was very wild with the trainer still in the whale’s mouth.” Brancheau’s death marked Tilikum’s third fatality, fueling debates over keeping orcas in captivity. Following the tragedy, SeaWorld ended orca breeding and ceased allowing trainers to swim with them during shows.