Regular fisherman Steven Hamilton killed by alligator at Florida lake
Steven Hamilton, a 71-year-old regular at the lake, was attacked and killed by a 3.7-metre alligator.
Hamilton was fishing at Dr Bradford Memorial Park near Winter Garden on October 16 when he caught a fish and reportedly tried to photograph it. An alligator bit his leg and dragged him underwater.
Emergency crews struggled to retrieve him because the animal refused to let go. Trappers subdued the alligator, but Hamilton was pronounced dead.
He died from blunt-force trauma to his leg and drowning. Fellow fishers remembered him as kind and generous, a nightly presence at the park.
The lake connects to Lake Apopka, home to Florida's largest alligator population.
- 71 years old
- Victim's age
- October 16
- Attack date
- 3.7 metres
- Alligator size
Why it mattersA tragic reminder of the real dangers wildlife poses in recreation, especially in areas with active predator populations.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect. US-based incident reported by Australian outlets as human-interest news.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 d ago
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