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World · October 18, 2026

Florida man killed by 12-foot alligator near Orlando while fishing

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A 71-year-old man, identified as Steven Hamilton, was killed by an alligator on Friday while fishing in Winter Garden, Florida, near Orlando. Authorities reported that the incident occurred at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park along the shoreline of Lake Apopka. The alligator involved, estimated to be approximately 12 feet long, was subsequently trapped and killed by officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. While alligator attacks are considered rare in the state, this event marks the second fatal attack in Florida this year.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • The victim was a 71-year-old man.
  • The attack occurred while the man was fishing in Winter Garden, Florida.
  • The alligator was approximately 12 feet long.
  • The alligator was trapped and killed by authorities.
  • The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
  • Alligator attacks resulting in serious injury or death are statistically rare in Florida.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The victim's name was Steven Hamilton (reported by NBC News and Fox News).
  • The incident occurred at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park (reported by NBC News).
  • The incident occurred on the shore of Lake Apopka (reported by Fox News).
  • Rescuers were initially hampered by the presence of other alligators in the water (reported by Fox News).
  • The attack happened around 5 p.m. and the body was recovered by 7 p.m. (reported by Fox News).
  • Since 1948, 34 people have been killed by alligators in Florida (reported by Fox News).

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