FISHERMAN, 71, POSED WITH HIS CATCH JUST MOMENTS BEFORE A NEARLY 12-FOOT ALLIGATOR DRAGGED HIM INTO THE WATER

Steven “Steve” Hamilton had spent years fishing at a Florida park. On October 16, a routine afternoon by the lake ended in tragedy, leaving his friends and the local music community devastated.

A 71-year-old fisherman has died after a nearly 12-foot alligator reportedly grabbed his leg and pulled him underwater while he was fishing near Lake Apopka in Florida.

Steven Hamilton was at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden on Friday afternoon, October 16, a location he regularly visited to fish.

According to witness Beatrice Soto, Hamilton had just caught a bass and was holding it up for a photograph when the alligator suddenly emerged from 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,” Soto told WFTV.

Emergency crews responded at approximately 5 p.m. after receiving a 911 call. Hamilton was later recovered from the water, but he could not be saved. <

A Desperate Situation at the Water’s Edge

The presence of other alligators in the water complicated rescue efforts. Authorities ultimately recovered Hamilton’s body approximately two hours after the incident.

The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that he died from blunt-force injury to his left leg and drowning. His death was ruled accidental.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed that a contracted wildlife trapper removed an alligator measuring 11 feet and 8 inches from the area. The animal was subsequently euthanized.

The incident remains under investigation by the Winter Garden Police Department and wildlife officials. <

Friends Remember a Kind and Talented Musician

Away from the lake, Hamilton was known throughout the Orlando-area music community, where he had spent nearly four decades performing with the Bone Brothers Band.

Friends remembered him as a talented musician who could play multiple instruments and was always willing to share his knowledge with others.

Christine Pompilio, managing partner of a local music venue where Hamilton had performed, described him as a kind-hearted and generous man who would be deeply missed.

Connor Kelly, another regular fisherman who occasionally spent time alongside Hamilton, said the news left him devastated.

For those who knew him, Hamilton was more than a familiar face at the fishing spot. He was a friend and a valued member of the local community.

A Reminder to Stay Alert Around Florida’s Waters

Alligators are found throughout Florida, including in lakes and ponds near residential areas and public parks. Wildlife officials warn people to keep a safe distance from the animals and avoid standing close to the water’s edge where alligators may be present.

Although serious encounters are relatively uncommon, this tragedy demonstrates how quickly a peaceful afternoon outdoors can take an unexpected turn.

Steven Hamilton had gone fishing, doing something he loved. Now, those who knew him are left remembering his music, his generosity and the time they shared with him.

May he rest in peace, and may his family and friends find comfort in the memories they will always carry.

Sources: The Irish Sun, Associated Press, WFTV and WESH.