Florida fisherman, 71, killed by nearly 12-foot alligator at Lake Apopka
What's new: The death was Florida's second fatal alligator attack of 2026, and rescuers said other active gators hindered any recovery attempt.
A 71-year-old man was killed Friday after a nearly 12-foot alligator attacked him while he was fishing from the shore of Lake Apopka in central Florida, authorities said. Steven Hamilton of Winter Garden was at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, about 15 miles northwest of Orlando, when the attack happened around 5 p.m. Winter Garden police and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are investigating. Fire Chief Jose Gainza said other active alligators in the water complicated any rescue effort, and Hamilton's body was recovered about two hours later. Authorities said trappers later captured and killed the alligator. Officials urged people to keep their distance from wildlife around the lake.