A 71-year-old man was killed after an alligator dragged him into the water while he was fishing at a Central Florida park on Friday, October 16, 2026. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) identified the victim as Steven Hamilton, a resident of Winter Garden.
Emergency responders arrived at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park at approximately 5:20 p.m. following a 911 call reporting a possible alligator attack, according to Winter Garden Fire Chief Jose Gainza. Rescuers faced immediate challenges entering the pond because several other alligators were actively moving in the water.
Details of the Attack at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park
According to Winter Garden Police Capt. Michael Mason, Hamilton was standing safely on the shoreline before the nearly 12-foot reptile pulled him into the water. Dr. Bradford Memorial Park features small ponds connected to the larger Lake Apopka. This body of water is known for hosting a substantial alligator population and features a nearby pedestrian pathway known locally as Gator Bridge.
“Lake Apopka has tons of alligators in it, so that’s not uncommon to see alligators in this part of town at all,” Mason told reporters during a Friday evening press briefing. Authorities confirmed that the police department had received no prior reports or complaints regarding alligator sightings in the immediate area prior to the fatal incident.
Recovery teams pulled Hamilton’s body from the pond at approximately 7 p.m.
Removal of the Alligator and FWC Response
Following the attack, a contracted nuisance alligator trapper deployed by the FWC captured and removed an 11-foot, 8-inch alligator from the scene. Wildlife officials confirmed that this animal was believed to be responsible for the fatal mauling.
The FWC and the Winter Garden Police Department are actively investigating the incident. Wildlife officials reiterate that while serious injuries or fatalities from alligator encounters remain statistically rare in Florida, residents and visitors must exercise extreme caution near bodies of fresh water.
“Always be aware of your surroundings, always be safe. Local wildlife, respect it, keep your distance. It looks like it’s docile, it looks like your Florida emblem, but it can be dangerous,” Capt. Michael Mason warned the public.
Alligator Safety and Statistics in Florida
Despite hundreds of thousands of alligators inhabiting Florida’s wetlands, canals, and lakes, unprovoked bites rarely result in fatalities. Historical data from the FWC indicates that fatal attacks average fewer than three per year.
Residents who spot an alligator that they believe poses a threat to people, pets, or property are urged to contact the FWC’s toll-free nuisance alligator hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Wildlife officials advise keeping pets away from water edges, avoiding swimming or wading in unauthorized areas, and maintaining a safe distance from shorelines where alligators may hide.
