Man killed by alligator while fishing in Florida lake

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 04:32 · Archive

Steven Hamilton, 71, died after an alligator attacked him while fishing at Dr Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Florida on October 16.

Steven Hamilton, 71, died on October 16 after an alligator attacked him at Dr Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Florida. Winter Garden police were contacted around 5.20pm after reports of the attack. He had caught a fish at the park's lake and was attempting to take a photo of his catch when a 3.7-metre alligator bit his leg and dragged him underwater.

Emergency crews responded quickly but had difficulty reaching Hamilton because the alligator refused to let go. Once trappers subdued the animal, Hamilton's body was released but he was pronounced dead. The body was recovered around 7pm. Fire chief Jose Gainza said recovery attempts were challenging because of the active alligator population in the area.

The Orange County Medical Examiner's report determined that Hamilton died from blunt-force injury to his left leg and drowning. He had suffered severe injuries, including probable tooth marks, to his left leg. The death was ruled an accident. Connor Kelley, a regular at the park, said Hamilton fished there 'almost every single night' and described the incident as a reminder of the dangers posed by the state's wildlife.

The park's lake connects with Lake Apopka, which is home to central Florida's largest American alligator population.

How it is being reported

• Winter Garden, Florida: Steven Hamilton, 71, remembered after being killed by alligator while fishing in lakeThe victim, who is being remembered for his kindness, went fishing at the lake ‘almost every single night’.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 03:42
• Winter Garden, Florida: Steven Hamilton, 71, remembered after being killed by alligator while fishing in lakeThe victim, who is being remembered for his kindness, went fishing at the lake ‘almost every single night’.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 03:42

In this story: Steven Hamilton · Winter Garden · Dr Bradford Memorial Park · Lake Apopka · Florida · Connor Kelley · Jose Gainza

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