71-year-old fisherman killed by alligator in Florida park
publishers 24articles 26first reported 17 Oct, 13:30 UTCdeveloping since 17 Oct · 8 editions
A 71-year-old fisherman was dragged into a pond and killed by a nearly 12-foot alligator Friday in Winter Garden, Florida, authorities said.
Hamilton, identified by Florida wildlife officials as Steve Hamilton, was fishing from the shoreline at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park when the alligator attacked at about 5 p.m. The park’s ponds connect to Lake Apopka, about 15 miles northwest of Orlando.
Emergency crews responding to the attack faced difficulties because other alligators were active nearby, Winter Garden Fire Chief Jose Gainza told FOX 35. Hamilton’s body was recovered approximately two hours later.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said an 11-foot, 8-inch alligator was trapped and removed from the scene. Local officials said the animal was killed. The commission and Winter Garden police are investigating.
Police Capt. Michael Mason said authorities had not received a warning about an alligator near the shoreline that day, adding that alligators are commonly seen in the area. He urged visitors to remain aware of their surroundings and keep their distance from wildlife.
Hamilton was the second person reported killed by an alligator in Florida in 2026, following the death of 31-year-old Brittany Clark in June.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 3 with the publisher's own text; 7 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 12 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 24
- Source articles
- 26
- Given to the writer
- 8, 3 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 7
- This version written
- 12 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
The second model checked the writer's draft against the same sources and published it as written.
Written by a language model from the sources above, then checked by a second model that may only cut, attribute or correct. How it works →