Heartbreaking footage has emerged of the unthinkable attack on Spanish orca trainer Alexis Martinez, shocking viewers around the world.

The 28-year-old had been working with orcas at Loro Parque’s Orca Ocean in the Canary Islands. On December 24, 2009, during a Christmas show rehearsal, Martinez was killed by Keto, a 6,600lb male killer whale born in captivity at SeaWorld and on loan to Loro Parque.

According to Martinez’ partner, Estefanía Luis Rodriguez, he had expressed concerns about the whales’ behavior weeks before the tragedy. Martinez noted that the orcas were increasingly disobedient and aggressive, raising fears among staff.

The fatal incident occurred when Martinez attempted a “stand-on spy hop,” balancing on the whale as it rose out of the water. Keto leaned to one side and seemingly positioned himself deliberately between Martinez and the stage. Despite trainers attempting standard control measures, Keto used his rostrum to push Martinez to the bottom of the pool, violently interacting with him.

Although other trainers eventually regained control and retrieved Martinez’s body, he had sustained severe injuries, including internal bleeding, multiple fractures, and bite marks that ultimately claimed his life.

The post-mortem confirmed that Alexis Martinez died due to “grave injuries sustained by an orca attack, including multiple compression fractures, tears to vital organs, and bite marks from the animal.”

This tragic event highlights the dangers faced by marine animal trainers and the unpredictable nature of working with powerful captive animals.