Florida Man Killed in Alligator Attack While Fishing

Steven Hamilton, a 71-year-old Winter Garden, Florida, resident, was killed on Friday, October 16, 2026, when an alligator pulled him into the water while he was fishing at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, becoming the state's second fatal alligator attack victim this year[1][2][4][13]. An 11-foot, 8-inch alligator believed to be involved was later trapped and killed[2][4][13].

This incident highlights the presence of alligators in Florida's natural areas, particularly near Lake Apopka, prompting authorities to reiterate public warnings for caution around local wildlife[2][8][9].

What the records show

Hamilton was fishing from the shoreline at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden around 5 p.m. when an alligator attacked and pulled him into the water[2][4]. Emergency services received a 911 call reporting a possible alligator attack at approximately 5:20 p.m.[3][4]. Winter Garden Fire Chief Jose Gainza stated that rescue efforts were challenging due to the presence of multiple active alligators in the water[3][4]. Hamilton's body was recovered from the water about two hours later, around 7 p.m., and he was pronounced dead at the scene[4][13]. The Orange County Medical Examiner's Office later determined the cause of death to be blunt force injury to his left leg and drowning, ruling the manner of death an accident[7][11]. Following the attack, a contracted nuisance alligator trapper from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) removed an 11-foot, 8-inch alligator from the park, which officials believe was involved in the fatal incident[2][4][13].

The timeline

On Friday, October 16, 2026, at approximately 5 p.m. local time, Steven Hamilton was pulled into the water by an alligator while fishing[2][4]. Emergency crews were dispatched to Dr. Bradford Memorial Park after a 911 call was placed around 5:20 p.m.[3][4]. Recovery efforts were hampered by active alligators in the water[3][4]. Hamilton's body was found and recovered around 7 p.m. that evening[4]. Shortly thereafter, an FWC-contracted trapper was called to the park, and an alligator measuring 11 feet, 8 inches was trapped and killed[4][13].

What changed and for whom

The attack resulted in Steven Hamilton's death[1]. In response, an 11-foot, 8-inch alligator was removed from Dr. Bradford Memorial Park and killed[2][4]. The Winter Garden Police Department and the FWC have initiated a joint investigation into the incident[4][12]. Public safety advisories were issued, reminding residents and visitors to be aware of their surroundings and maintain distance from wildlife[2][8][9]. This marked the second fatal alligator attack in Florida in 2026, following the death of Brittany Clark in June[2][9].

What officials have said

Winter Garden Fire Chief Jose Gainza reported that rescue attempts were complicated by the presence of multiple active alligators[3][4]. Winter Garden Police Captain Michael Mason advised the public to "always be aware of your surroundings" and to "respect local wildlife, keep your distance"[2][8][9]. Captain Mason also noted the high alligator population in Lake Apopka, stating it is "not uncommon to see alligators in this part of town"[8][9]. The FWC reiterated that serious alligator-related injuries are rare in Florida[4].

What we could not confirm

Officials have not stated whether any other alligators will be removed from the pond[4]. It is also unconfirmed if DNA testing will be used to definitively link the trapped alligator to the attack, as was done in a previous fatal incident[4].