A 71-year-old fisherman, identified as Steve Hamilton, was killed by a large alligator on Friday afternoon, October 16, 2026, while fishing from the shore at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Florida.
Key Details of the Incident
- The Incident: Around 5:00 PM, Hamilton was fishing near a pond connected to Lake Apopka when an 11-foot, 8-inch alligator dragged him from the bank into the water.
- Response & Capture: Emergency crews and officers responded to 911 calls from witnesses. Nuisance alligator trappers dispatched by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) subsequently located, trapped, and euthanized the 11’8″ alligator.
- Location Context: Dr. Bradford Memorial Park features small, interconnected ponds adjacent to Lake Apopka—an area well known for having a dense alligator population.
Official Recommendations & Safety Reminders
In the wake of the incident, local officials and the FWC reminded residents and visitors to exercise heightened caution around Florida freshwater bodies:
- Maintain Distance: Stay at least 10–15 feet back from the shoreline, especially when fishing, walking pets, or standing near water edges.
- Never Feed Alligators: Feeding alligators causes them to lose their natural fear of humans and associate people with food, which drastically increases dangerous interactions.
- Be Aware During Dawn/Dusk: Alligators are most active during early morning and evening hours.
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