Florida man killed by alligator while fishing

Summary

A 71-year-old man was killed after an alligator dragged him into the water while he was fishing in Florida, The Guardian and the BBC report. The Guardian identifies him as Steve Hamilton and says the attack happened Friday in Winter Garden; both outlets describe the alligator as about 12 feet long. The Guardian says the attack was rare and that WOFL reported the alligator was later killed, citing local authorities.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   17 Oct 2026, 15:23 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Steve Hamilton, 71, was dragged into the water and killed by an almost 12-foot alligator while fishing in Winter Garden on Friday, and says WOFL reported the alligator was later killed.

2. BBC

   17 Oct 2026, 16:52 UTCSource ↗

   The BBC reports that an approximately 12-foot alligator dragged a 71-year-old man into the water while he was fishing near Orlando.