Daniel Dukes was the man killed by the killer whale Tilikum at SeaWorld Orlando on July 5, 1999.
Dukes, a 27-year-old man from South Carolina, visited SeaWorld Orlando on July 4, 1999. He reportedly stayed hidden until after the park closed. The following morning, park staff found him dead, nude, and draped across the back of Tilikum, the park’s largest male orca.
An autopsy revealed that Dukes had suffered numerous injuries, including contusions, abrasions, and puncture wounds, which were attributed to Tilikum. It was also determined that Dukes had likely entered the orca tank voluntarily. No signs of forced entry were apparent. Reports indicated Dukes may have been interested in swimming with the orcas.
Tilikum had been involved in two previous human deaths before the incident with Dukes:
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1991: While at Sealand of the Pacific in British Columbia, Tilikum and two other orcas were involved in the drowning of a part-time trainer, Keltie Byrne.
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2010: Tilikum killed trainer Dawn Brancheau during a show at SeaWorld Orlando.
The death of Daniel Dukes highlighted the dangers of interacting with captive orcas and raised significant concerns about safety protocols at marine parks.
