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.