A fisherman’s final moments before a fatal alligator attack in Florida have emerged, as witnesses recall the horrifying incident and share details about what happened.
Steven Hamilton, 71, was a familiar face at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Florida, where he reportedly visited every day to enjoy fishing.
But during one particular visit, his regular fishing trip ended in tragedy.
The fatal encounter happened on October 16. According to reports, witnesses saw Hamilton posing for a photograph with a fish he had just caught when an enormous alligator suddenly attacked him.
The reptile, measuring approximately 11 feet and 8 inches long, grabbed him by the leg and pulled him beneath the water.
“He caught a bass. He held it up for whoever it was to take a picture of him, and the gator came up and grabbed him by the leg and pulled him in,” witness Beatrice Soto told WFTV, according to LADbible.
Wildlife trappers eventually managed to restrain the alligator and recover Hamilton from the water. Sadly, he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Steven Hamilton Was Killed by Alligator
Another regular visitor to the park, Connor Kelley, shared his reaction to the heartbreaking news.
Kelley explained that he was leaving the park when he heard someone mention that an older man who regularly fished there had been attacked.
“As I was leaving to go home, I heard someone say apparently it was an older gentleman who fishes there every night, and just immediately my stomach dropped because I was so worried it was Steve, and it turns out it unfortunately was,” he recalled.
Kelley described Hamilton as a friendly and approachable man who was well known around the park.
“He was a very kind man, very relatable.”
He also emphasized that Hamilton had not been provoking or bothering the alligators.
“He was not someone that, you know, was harassing any alligators or anything like that. It was just a very unfortunate event that happened and a very sober reminder of, you know, how just mindful to be around water in Florida.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission released a statement expressing sympathy for Hamilton’s loved ones.
“The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time.”
Officials also confirmed that the incident remained under investigation and said no further information was available at that time.
Alligator Attacks in Florida
Despite the tragic incident, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission emphasized that fatal alligator attacks remain uncommon.
“Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida,” the agency said, according to LADbible.
The FWC also explained that it operates the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, known as SNAP, which responds to complaints involving specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets, or property.
The agency urged anyone concerned about an alligator to contact its toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
“When someone concerned about an alligator calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, we will dispatch one of our contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation.”
Hamilton’s death has served as a heartbreaking reminder of the potential dangers around Florida’s waterways, even for people who regularly visit familiar fishing spots.
