Medical Examiner Confirms Cause of Death in Winter Garden Alligator Attack

The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office has released its findings regarding the death of a 71-year-old man following an alligator attack in Winter Garden. The incident occurred at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park on Friday and has renewed discussions about wildlife safety in the region.

Details Surrounding the Fatal Encounter

The victim, identified as Steven Hamilton, was killed after sustaining a blunt force injury to his left leg and subsequently drowning. The medical examiner’s report officially lists the manner of death as accidental. The report provides further insight, noting that Hamilton was holding a fish he had just caught and was attempting to take a photograph of himself when the alligator approached and attacked.

Incident at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park

The tragedy happened at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, a spot Hamilton frequented for fishing. Eyewitnesses at the park recounted seeing the alligator grab Hamilton by the leg and pull him underwater as he stood near the water's edge. According to the report, Hamilton was a regular at the park, engaging in fishing daily.

Removal of the Alligator

After the fatal encounter, trappers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to the scene. The alligator responsible for the attack was measured at just under 12 feet long and was removed from the water by the team, highlighting the ongoing challenges of wildlife attack prevention in central Florida.

Recent History of Alligator Attacks in Central Florida

Hamilton’s death marks the second fatal encounter with alligators in Central Florida in 2026. Earlier in June, a woman died following an alligator attack while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River near Seminole County. In both instances, the severity of the attacks has raised continued concerns about human interactions with alligators Florida and prompted calls for increased wildlife conservation efforts and heightened awareness around bodies of water in the area.

Actions for Wildlife Safety Awareness

The consequences of these recent attacks underscore the importance of understanding and respecting the presence of large wildlife in recreational areas. Local authorities and wildlife officials encourage residents and visitors to be vigilant, practice caution near water, and report sightings of large or aggressive alligators to authorities as part of their ongoing commitment to wildlife safety.

Summary

The official release from the Orange County Medical Examiner clarifies that Steven Hamilton’s death at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park was the result of an alligator attack causing a leg injury and subsequent drowning. The event stands as a somber reminder of the need for ongoing public education and wildlife conservation efforts in orangecounty florida and across central Florida.

Source: clickorlando.com.