Summary
- Steven Hamilton was killed while fishing from shore.
- The alligator measured nearly 12 feet.
- It was Florida’s second fatal alligator attack of 2026.
Attack at a Winter Garden park
Steven Hamilton, 71, was killed by a nearly 12-foot alligator while fishing from the shore of Lake Apopka at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Florida. The attack happened around 5 p.m. Friday. Emergency crews recovered his body from the water about two hours later. [1] [2]
Rescue complicated by other alligators
Officials said the presence of several active alligators in the water made the response more dangerous. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission joined local police in the investigation. Contracted trappers located and killed the alligator believed responsible for the attack after the body was recovered. [1] [2]
A rare but serious risk
The death was Florida’s second fatal alligator attack in 2026 and the 34th recorded since 1948. Fatal attacks remain rare relative to the state’s large alligator population, but shorelines and low banks create risk, especially near dawn and dusk. Wildlife officials advise people to keep distance, never feed alligators and keep pets away from water edges. [1] [2]
Investigation and park safety
Authorities had not received an advance report that a specific alligator was at the shoreline. Lake Apopka is known to contain many alligators, and officials stressed general vigilance rather than treating the animal’s presence as unusual. Any change to signs, access or management at the park will depend on the wildlife and police review. [1] [2]
What to watch next
This report separates confirmed facts from interpretation and is tied to the dated sources listed below. Investigations, legal proceedings, schedules and personal announcements can change after publication. Any later claim should be measured against a new statement from the responsible authority, organization or representative rather than anonymous posts or recycled summaries that do not add verifiable evidence. Early casualty figures, diagnoses and legal positions are especially likely to change as records are reviewed. A later update should identify the new source and distinguish it from the facts available at publication. [1] [2]
Reporting sources
This article follows our editorial standards. To report an error, see our corrections policy.