71-year-old fisherman killed by 12-foot alligator at Winter Garden park

Steven Hamilton, a 71‑year‑old Winter Garden resident, died on Friday after a 12‑foot alligator seized his leg while he was fishing on a tributary that feeds Lake Apopka at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed Hamilton’s identity and said emergency crews responded around 5 p.m. after witnesses reported the attack. The animal dragged him into the water, and his body was recovered from the lake later that evening.

Fire Chief Jose Gainza told reporters that Hamilton’s body was retrieved at approximately 7 p.m. He added that rescuers faced difficulty because several active alligators were in the water, complicating the recovery effort.

One witness said, “There’s thousands of gators in there. It’s definitely not a place I would even put my paddleboard on.”

According to park officials, witnesses saw Hamilton raise a large fish for photographs moments before the alligator latched onto his leg. Another witness described hearing a loud bang, which the Winter Garden Police Captain identified as the sound of the alligator being removed as a danger to the public.

Following the incident, a licensed nuisance‑alligator trapper captured an 11‑foot‑8‑inch alligator nearby. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that the animal was subsequently killed to prevent further threats.

Lake Apopka is known for one of the highest concentrations of American alligators in Central Florida, and the area around Dr. Bradford Memorial Park has long been a popular spot for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The fatal attack highlights the ongoing risk that large alligators pose to people who venture near or on the water.

Authorities continue to monitor the lake’s alligator population and advise the public to keep a safe distance from the water’s edge, especially in areas where wildlife is known to frequent.