Jessica Radcliffe orca attack video fake; no such trainer exists

A viral video on social media has claimed that a marine trainer named Jessica Radcliffe was attacked and killed by an orca during a performance. The clip, widely circulated on TikTok and Facebook, alleged that the 23-year-old died minutes after being rescued, with some versions even suggesting the attack was triggered when her menstrual blood mixed with the water. However, the videos offer no clear details of the incident.

A fact-check reveals there is no evidence that such an event occurred. No media reports, marine park statements, OSHA records, or obituaries mention Jessica Radcliffe, and there appears to be no trainer by that name. Vocal Media reported that the voices in the clip seem AI-generated, while Kenya’s *The Star* and other outlets highlighted the complete absence of credible sources. Forbes noted that AI-generated videos often have visual flaws, such as unnatural finger movements, and explained that such fake clips spread quickly because viewers are more drawn to sensational or negative news.

Though this particular report is fabricated, there have been real cases of orca attacks. The most notable was in 2010, when SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed by Tilikum, an orca, during a show in Orlando. Her death later became the focus of the 2013 documentary *Blackfish*, which examined the ethics of keeping large marine mammals in captivity.