71-Year-Old Man Killed by 11.8-Foot Alligator While Fishing in Florida

Steven Hamilton, 71, was fatally attacked by an alligator while fishing at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park near Lake Apopka in Winter Garden, Florida, on Friday, October 17, 2026, at approximately 5:20 p.m. local time. According to Winter Garden Police Captain Michael Mason, the nearly 12-foot alligator approached the shoreline and attacked Hamilton, then dragged him into the water. Emergency crews responded to a 911 call but encountered difficulty in the rescue effort due to the presence of other active alligators in the area. Hamilton's body was recovered from the water around 7 p.m. The alligator involved in the attack, measured at 11.8 feet long, was subsequently trapped and killed by authorities. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Winter Garden police are investigating the incident.

Dr. Bradford Memorial Park has direct water access to Lake Apopka, which is known to have one of the largest American alligator populations in Central Florida, with estimates of 1.3 million alligators statewide. According to the FWC, alligator attacks remain statistically rare despite the large population. Since 1948, Florida has recorded 500 total unprovoked alligator bites, of which 32 have been fatal. Hamilton's death marks the second fatal alligator attack in Florida in 2026, following the June death of 31-year-old Brittany Clark, who was attacked while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River near Orlando.

Winter Garden Police Captain Mason emphasized public safety awareness, stating: "Always be aware of your surroundings, always be safe. Local wildlife - respect it, keep your distance. It looks like it's docile, it looks like your Florida emblem, but it can be dangerous." The FWC extended condolences to Hamilton's family. Authorities noted that no prior alligator sighting had been reported at the pond before the attack.