Florida fisherman died after alligator dragged him into Lake Apopka
Steven Hamilton, 71, died after an alligator attacked him while he was fishing beside Lake Apopka in a public park near Orlando. Witnesses said he was posing with his catch when the animal seized his leg and dragged him into the water; the medical examiner said he was alive as he was pulled under.
The medical examiner ruled his death accidental, caused by blunt-force injury to his left leg and drowning. Hamilton was a regular at the fishing spot and a musician who had played in local bands for nearly four decades. Police said alligators are common in the area and urged people to keep their distance from wildlife; the animal was captured and killed, and its head taken as evidence.
- Steven Hamilton, 71, was attacked while fishing at Lake Apopka.
- He was alive when the alligator dragged him into the water.
- Officials said he died from leg injuries and drowning.
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Lake Apopka is a large lake west of Orlando, with public parks and fishing spots along its shores. Alligators live in Florida’s lakes and wetlands, and encounters can happen where people fish or walk near the water.
Steven Hamilton was a 71-year-old local musician who regularly fished at the park. Wildlife officials and police advise people to keep a safe distance from alligators, which are wild animals and can be dangerous.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Hellish final moments of fisherman snatched and killed by alligator while showing off his catch revealed by coroner who said victim was alive as he was dragged off”.