71-Year-Old Winter Garden Man Killed by 12-Foot Alligator While Fishing
Steven Hamilton, 71, died after a nearly 12-foot alligator attacked him while fishing at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden on Friday. Fire crews recovered his body from the water after active alligators hindered rescue efforts. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) dispatched trappers who killed the animal, measuring it at 11.8 feet. Authorities are investigating the incident, noting that while alligator attacks are rare, Lake Apopka has a high population of the species.
Key points
- Victim identified as Steven Hamilton, 71, of Winter Garden.
- Attack occurred around 5 p.m. at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park near Lake Apopka.
- Hamilton was fishing on the shoreline when pulled into the water.
- Body recovered approximately two hours after the initial 911 call.
- FWC trappers killed the alligator, confirmed to be 11.8 feet long.
- Rescue efforts were delayed due to other active alligators in the pond.
Background
This incident follows a pattern of wildlife-related fatalities in Florida, including a 31-year-old woman killed by an alligator in June 2026. While the archive notes unrelated wildlife encounters, such as a python attack in October 2026, this case highlights the persistent risk posed by American alligators in Central Florida waterways. Lake Apopka is known for its dense alligator population, making such encounters more likely despite the overall rarity of fatal attacks.
How outlets are covering it
WKMG and WESH emphasized the difficulty of rescue operations, noting that active alligators prevented swimmers from entering the water immediately. FOX 35 provided historical data, citing 32 fatal alligator attacks in Florida since 1948, and clarified the specific length of the animal as 11.8 feet. The Orlando Sentinel reported the incident but withheld the victim's name in its initial release, unlike other outlets that identified him quickly. All sources agreed that the FWC dispatched trappers to remove the animal, though WKMG and WESH highlighted the joint investigation between police and FWC, while FOX 35 focused on the statistical rarity of such events.
Why it matters
This fatal incident underscores the dangers of interacting with wildlife in areas with high alligator populations, such as Lake Apopka. It serves as a reminder for residents and visitors to maintain a safe distance from water bodies where alligators are common. The incident also highlights the challenges emergency responders face when attempting to rescue victims in waters populated by dangerous wildlife.
What to watch
Winter Garden police and the FWC are continuing their joint investigation into the circumstances of the attack. Authorities are urging the public to report any alligator concerns via the Nuisance Alligator Hotline. No further details regarding the cause of death or specific conditions leading to the attack have been released. The community is expected to see increased awareness campaigns regarding wildlife safety near water bodies.
- Nearly 12-foot alligator kills fisherman in Winter Garden WKMG
- Alligator attacks, kills man who was fishing in Winter Garden, police say WESH
- Man killed in suspected alligator attack in Winter Garden FOX 35 Orlando
- Winter Garden man, 71, killed by alligator while reportedly fishing at park near Lake Apopka Orlando Sentinel
- Man fishing when attacked, killed by alligator at Florida park, officials say LiveNOW from FOX
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on WKMG