World · North America · 54 mins ago
Florida man killed by nearly 12-foot alligator while fishing
Steve Hamilton, 71, was killed by an alligator while fishing at a pond in Dr. Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Florida.
The pond is connected to Lake Apopka, where police say alligators are common.
The nearly 12-foot animal dragged him into the water from the shoreline on Friday.
Emergency crews tried to reach him, but nearby alligators made the rescue difficult; his body was recovered a couple of hours later.
Authorities killed the alligator after the attack, describing it as a danger to the public.
Alligator attacks are rare, but Florida authorities have recorded at least 34 deaths from them since 1948.
Police urged people to stay aware near the water, and no further action was specified.
A 71-year-old man, Steve Hamilton, was killed by an alligator while fishing in Winter Garden, Florida.
The alligator dragged Hamilton from the shoreline into the water at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park near Lake Apopka.
Authorities said the alligator was almost 12 feet long.
Emergency crews responded after a 911 call but had difficulty reaching Hamilton because of nearby alligators.
Hamilton’s body was recovered from the water a couple of hours later, and the alligator was killed.
- Who
- Steve Hamilton, 71, was killed.
- What
- An alligator attacked him and dragged him into the water while he was fishing.
- When
- Friday. The exact date of the attack is not stated.
- Where
- Dr. Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Florida, near Lake Apopka.
- Why
- The sources do not state why the alligator attacked him.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Emergency crews responded to the park after receiving a 911 call.
Hamilton’s body was recovered from the water.
The alligator was killed, authorities said.
- Victim
- Steve Hamilton, 71
- Location
- Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, Winter Garden, Florida
- Alligator length
- Almost 12 feet
- Emergency call
- 911 call received at about 5.20pm Friday
- Recovery
- Hamilton’s body was recovered a couple of hours after the emergency response
4 sources
What people are saying
tons of alligators in it. That is not uncommon to see alligators in this part of town
be aware of your surroundings
removed as a danger to the public