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Medical Examiner Rules Alligator Attack Death an Accident

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 11:44 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Medical Examiner's Office ruled the alligator attack death an accident.
71-year-old Steven Hamilton of Winter Garden was identified as the victim.
While fishing near Lake Apopka, a nearly 12-foot alligator injured Hamilton’s left leg and he drowned.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trappers killed the alligator, captured on Chopper 2 camera.
Winter Garden police are investigating the incident jointly with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

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Story summary

U.S. Medical Examiner's Office ruled the alligator attack death an accident.
71-year-old Steven Hamilton of Winter Garden was identified as the victim.
While fishing near Lake Apopka, a nearly 12-foot alligator injured Hamilton’s left leg and he drowned.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trappers killed the alligator, captured on Chopper 2 camera.
Winter Garden police are investigating the incident jointly with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.