The Tragic Death of Orca Trainer Alexis Martínez

A devastating incident shocked the marine world when Spanish orca trainer Alexis Martínez was killed during a rehearsal at Loro Parque’s Orca Ocean in the Canary Islands.

The 28-year-old, known for his dedication to the animals, died on December 24, 2009, after being attacked by Keto, a 6,600-pound male orca born in captivity in 1995. His death came just two months before another fatal whale attack claimed the life of Dawn Brancheau in Florida.

According to Martínez’s partner, Estefanía Luis Rodríguez, he had voiced concerns in the weeks before his death. She recalled him saying the orcas were becoming increasingly disobedient, disruptive, and aggressive, raising fears about their safety.

The fatal rehearsal involved a maneuver called a stand-on spy hop, where the trainer balances on the whale as it rises from the water. Keto, however, leaned to one side, positioning himself between Martínez and the stage, an unusual move that unsettled his colleagues.

Trainers attempted to redirect Keto into another pool, using established signals and controls. But the orca refused to obey. Instead, he used his rostrum—his beak-like snout—to push Martínez to the bottom of the pool, violently toying with him in a chilling scene.

Martínez was eventually pulled from the water, but his injuries were severe. He suffered internal bleeding, compression fractures, organ damage, and bite wounds. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead soon after.

The official post-mortem confirmed that Martínez had “died due to grave injuries sustained by an orca attack,” documenting the extent of his trauma. His death raised urgent questions about the risks of in-water interactions with captive whales.

In the wake of the tragedy, SeaWorld suspended water-based training sessions across its parks, sparking debate on orca captivity and trainer safety that continues to this day.