The sister of a trainer who died tragically after being attacked by a killer whale at Sea World in Florida, said her family is in shock at the incident.

Trainer Dawn Brancheau, 40, died after a 12,000 pound orca, called Tilikum, grabbed her from a poolside platform, pulled her underwater and thrashed her violently.

Diane Gross said the family considered the death an accident, which they had yet to come to terms with. She also shared how much Brancheau loved the whales and working at Sea World was her dream.
Ms Gross said her sister had loved the whales like they were her children.

She loved all of them, Ms Gross said, according to the Associated Press.

The killer whale, Tilikum, was also reportedly involved in the death of a female trainer in Canada in 1991, and another time in 1999.

Other orcas were also said to have attacked trainers at SeaWorld parks in 2006 and 2004.

Below is a video of Dawn Brancheau in action:

More on Sea World's Killer Whale:

Dawn Brancheau's ponytail caused whale's attack: SeaWorld curator

Sea World committed to using whale after third killing

Shamu kills Sea World Trainer Dawn Brancheau

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