Medical Examiner Rules Winter Garden Alligator Death an Accident
The Florida Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that Steven Hamilton, a 71-year-old retired musician, died from blunt force trauma to the left leg and drowning following an alligator attack in Winter Garden. The death was officially ruled an accident. Hamilton was fishing at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park near Lake Apopka on Friday when a nearly 12-foot alligator attacked him. While the attack occurred after he reeled in a bass, the medical examiner’s findings focus on the physical causes of death rather than the specific sequence of events. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Winter Garden police are jointly investigating the incident, with the FWC confirming the attacking alligator was removed from the area.
Key points
- The Medical Examiner’s Office released the cause of death on Monday, citing blunt force injury to the left leg and drowning.
- The death was classified as an accident by the medical examiner.
- Steven Hamilton, 71, was fishing at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden on Friday.
- The attacking alligator was nearly 12 feet long and was subsequently removed by FWC trappers.
- Winter Garden police and the FWC are conducting a joint investigation into the incident.
Background
This incident is the second fatal alligator attack in Florida in 2026. Previous coverage noted that emergency crews faced difficulties rescuing Hamilton due to the presence of other alligators in the water, with his body recovered approximately two hours after the attack. Hamilton was a well-known local musician who had performed in the Orlando area for nearly 40 years before retiring to focus on fishing.
How outlets are covering it
WESH and The New York Times report the core facts of the attack and the subsequent removal of the alligator, with the NYT noting the location as Dr. Bradford Memorial Park. WFTV provides a human-interest perspective, highlighting Hamilton’s status as a respected musician and describing witness accounts that he was holding up a bass when the alligator grabbed his leg. WESH emphasizes the official medical examiner’s findings, specifically the blunt force injury and drowning, which were not detailed in the earlier secondary sources. All outlets agree on the victim’s age, the location, and the involvement of the FWC, but only WESH provides the specific medical cause of death released on Monday.
Why it matters
The release of the cause of death provides closure to the investigation and confirms the nature of the fatal incident. It also highlights the ongoing risks associated with alligator habitats in Florida, particularly around Lake Apopka, which is known for a high alligator population. The joint investigation by police and wildlife authorities underscores the collaborative approach to managing such incidents.
What to watch
The investigation by Winter Garden police and the FWC is ongoing. A memorial is planned for Hamilton at Jax 5th Avenue in Lake Mary, where he previously performed. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the area for public safety.
- Winter Garden alligator attack victim died from blunt force injury, drowning, medical examiner finds WESH
- Florida Man Killed by Alligator While Fishing Near Lake Apopka in Winter Garden The New York Times
- Fisherman, 71, attacked and killed by 12-foot alligator alongside Florida lake CNN
- Local musician Steven Hamilton killed by alligator during fishing trip WFTV
- Woman Claims Alligator Recently Killed Her Dog in Same Area Where Fisherman Was Fatally Attacked People.com
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