A 71-year-old Winter Garden resident died Friday after an alligator attacked him while he was fishing along the shoreline at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, authorities said.
Incident at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission identified the victim as Steven Hamilton. The agency said the attack occurred about 5 p.m. at a pond on the edge of Lake Apopka, a waterbody known for frequent alligator sightings.
Winter Garden firefighters and other emergency crews responded to the scene after the report. Crews had difficulty reaching and recovering Hamilton’s body because other alligators were active in the water, Winter Garden Fire Chief Jose Gainza told reporters. Hamilton’s body was recovered about two hours later, at roughly 7 p.m.
| Victim | Age | Location | Alligator length | Time of incident |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Hamilton | 71 | Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, Lake Apopka shoreline | 11 ft, 8 in | Reported ~5 p.m.; body recovered ~7 p.m. |
Response by wildlife officials
Trappers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission captured the alligator involved in the attack and euthanized it, the commission said. Police and wildlife officials said the animal is believed to have come from Lake Apopka.
Winter Garden Police Department Capt. Michael Mason said there had been no prior reports to the department of aggressive alligator sightings at the park before the attack, but cautioned residents that the lake is home to many reptiles.
"Lake Apopka has tons of alligators in it, so that's not uncommon to see alligators in this part of town at all," Mason said. "Always be aware of your surroundings, always be safe. Local wildlife, respect it, keep your distance."
Context and recent regional attacks
Officials noted this is the second fatal alligator attack in central Florida this year. In late June, 31-year-old Brittany Clark of Orlando was fatally injured in an attack on the Econlockhatchee River in Seminole County. That incident and Friday’s attack have renewed concern about recreational safety where people and large reptiles share shorelines and waterways.
Alligator activity can complicate rescue and recovery operations. In this case, firefighters reported trouble retrieving Hamilton’s body because other alligators were present and active, delaying recovery until wildlife trappers could secure the scene.
What authorities advise
Law enforcement and wildlife officials reiterated standard safety guidance for people visiting lakes, ponds and wetlands in Florida:
- Keep a safe distance from the water’s edge; avoid standing or sitting directly at the shoreline.
- Do not feed or attempt to interact with alligators; feeding can make them associate people with food and become bolder.
- Supervise children and pets closely near water; small animals can attract alligators.
- Report unusually bold or aggressive alligators to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Authorities have not released additional details on the circumstances leading up to the attack, including whether Hamilton was alone at the time. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it is investigating the incident.
Local impact and park use
Dr. Bradford Memorial Park is a public green space used by residents for fishing and recreation. The presence of multiple alligators and now a fatal attack will likely prompt heightened caution among visitors and could lead to increased wildlife monitoring at the park.
Officials will weigh whether posting additional signage, issuing advisories or temporarily closing affected shoreline areas is warranted as they continue their investigation. For now, authorities are urging anyone thinking of fishing or spending time near Lake Apopka to exercise caution and respect local wildlife.
As this is an active investigation, WE NEWS will update this report with official statements and additional information as it becomes available.
