WINTER GARDEN, FL. (THECOUNT) — Steven Hamilton, 71, of Winter Garden, Florida, has died after being attacked by an approximately 11-foot, 8-inch alligator while fishing at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park in Orange County, officials said. The fatal encounter occurred Friday afternoon near Hamilton’s home.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Winter Garden Police Department responded to the park around 5 p.m. October 16 after receiving reports of an alligator attack. Hamilton suffered serious injuries from the bite and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.
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Winter Garden Fire Rescue Chief Jose Gainza said the victim was fishing along the shoreline of a pond connected to the Lake Apopka area when the alligator attacked and pulled him into the water. The presence of several other alligators complicated rescue efforts, preventing responders from safely entering the water immediately.
Hamilton’s body was eventually recovered from the pond. Officials have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the attack.
Following the fatal encounter, the FWC dispatched a contracted nuisance-alligator trapper to the park. The approximately 11-foot, 8-inch alligator believed responsible for the attack was removed and killed because it was considered a danger to the public, according to local reporting and officials.
Winter Garden police Capt. Michael Mason confirmed that the animal had been removed from the park as investigators continued examining the incident. Authorities have not reported any additional injuries connected to the attack.
The FWC expressed condolences to Hamilton’s family and loved ones, describing the incident as an active investigation. Officials said no further information was available at the time of their statement.
Mason urged residents to remain alert around ponds, lakes and other waterways where alligators may be present. He cautioned that an alligator appearing calm should not be assumed to be harmless and advised people to keep their distance from wildlife.
Dr. Bradford Memorial Park is in Winter Garden, a city in Orange County in Central Florida’s Orlando metropolitan area. The park’s ponds connect to the Lake Apopka area, where alligators are commonly found. Google Maps — Dr. Bradford Memorial Park; exact incident location within the park not separately verified
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