Florida Fisherman Killed by Alligator
A 71-year-old man was killed by a nearly 12-foot alligator while fishing at Lake Apopka in Winter Garden, Florida. Authorities confirmed this is the second alligator attack resulting in a fatality in Florida this year.
What happened
- Steven Hamilton, 71, was killed on Friday while fishing along the shore of Lake Apopka in Winter Garden, Florida, around 5 p.m. Winter Garden Police Department reported that the attack occurred when Hamilton was approached by a nearly 12-foot alligator.
- Emergency crews attempted to rescue Hamilton, but were unable to due to the presence of other alligators in the water.
- Jose Gainza, Chief of the Winter Garden Fire Department, stated that the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) extended sympathies to the victim’s family.
- The alligator was trapped and killed by police.
- Michael Mason, Winter Garden Police Chief, noted the lake contains numerous alligators and that authorities were unaware of the specific danger posed by one near the shore.
- Since 1948, 34 people have been killed by alligators in Florida, according to state data.
- In June, Brittany Clark, 31, was killed by an alligator near her home in Oviedo, Florida, after losing an arm.
- The 911 call described the situation as "really bad" and requested urgent assistance.
- Alligator attacks in Florida are relatively rare, with a total of 13 attacks recorded last year, including eight major attacks and two fatalities.
Original reporting
- Fox News: Florida fisherman, 71, killed by nearly 12-foot alligator as rescuers face more gators
2026-10-18T10:00:19+00:00 - CBS News: Alligator kills 71-year-old man fishing at pond in Florida
2026-10-18T02:53:29+00:00