Who is Jessica Radcliffe? Story Behind Viral Whale Trainer Killed in Orca Attack

On Saturday, social media was flooded with claims that a whale trainer, Jessica Radcliffe, was killed in an orca attack during a live show.

People also said the incident was caught on camera. However, there is no truth to these claims.

Fact-checks have confirmed that Jessica Radcliffe is a completely fictional character. There are no police reports, statements from marine parks, or credible footage to support the story.

The viral posts follow a familiar hoax pattern: clickbait headlines, old unrelated videos, and AI-generated images presented as breaking news.

jessica radcliffe video orca, jessica radcliffe orca attack video, video jessica accident orque!!

Viral Find 👇 https://t.co/4DBCKyd6nr pic.twitter.com/AdotI7NETe

— Burhan Khizer (@MeerKp20450) August 10, 2025

One reason the story fooled many is its similarity to real tragedies, such as the deaths of Dawn Brancheau (2010) and Alexis Martínez (2009).

These real incidents give the hoax a false sense of credibility, making it seem plausible to those aware of the dangers of working with orcas.

Experts warn that, although it may appear to be a harmless viral story, it distorts public understanding of real marine safety issues and animal welfare debates. It also undermines trust in reliable news sources and exploits the memory of actual victims, causing additional pain for their families.

Read More: Who Owns Simba, the Company Buying M1 for $1.43 Billion?