Man Killed by Alligator While Fishing in Florida Park

Steve Hamilton, 71, was killed by a 12-foot alligator while fishing at Dr Bradford Memorial Park, a pond connected to Lake Apopka in Orange County, Florida. His body was recovered from the water a couple of hours later.

This marks the second alligator-related death in Florida this year. The first occurred in June, involving a 31-year-old woman near Orlando.

Emergency crews responded to the park where Hamilton was fishing at about 5:20pm on Friday. Trappers captured and killed the alligator involved in Friday's attack.

Police have launched a joint investigation with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The FWC states Lake Apopka swarms with dangerous animals.

Police confirm the alligator came up to the shoreline and attacked Hamilton. The FWC, along with WOFL, states the alligator then dragged him into the water.

Emergency crews had difficulty rescuing Hamilton because of nearby alligators. Winter Garden Fire Chief Jose Gainza confirmed the presence of other active alligators in the water complicated any chance of rescue.

Jose Gainza indicated that The presence of other active alligators in the water complicated any chance of rescue.

Authorities were not alerted of a gator sighting on Friday at the pond, according to Capt Michael Mason. Police Capt. Michael Mason further states this lack of alert might be due to the lake having “tons of alligators in it.”