A fisherman’s final moments before a horrific alligator attack in Florida have emerged, as witnesses recount the tragic incident and new details come to light.
Steven Hamilton, 71, was a regular visitor to Dr. Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Florida, where he reportedly went fishing every day. But on this particular visit, tragedy struck.
The fatal encounter took place on October 16. According to reports, witnesses saw Hamilton posing for a photo with a fish he had caught moments before an alligator, about 11 feet, 8 inches long, seized him by the leg and dragged 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 managed to restrain the alligator and pull Hamilton from the water, but he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Steven Hamilton was killed by alligator
Another regular at the park, Connor Kelley, told the outlet: “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 was a very kind man, very relatable.
“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 shared a statement saying: “The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time.
“This is an active investigation, and this is all the information available at this time.”
Alligator attacks in Florida
Despite the tragic incident, the FWC emphasized that fatal alligator attacks remain rare.
“Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida,” the FWC said, according to LADbible.
“The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property.
“People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s 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.”
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