71-year-old fisherman killed by 12-foot alligator at Lake Apopka

A 71-year-old man fishing on the shore of Lake Apopka in Winter Garden was fatally attacked by a nearly 12-foot alligator on Friday afternoon, WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando reported.

The incident occurred around 5 p.m. at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, approximately 15 miles northwest of Orlando, according to the Winter Garden Police Department.

Rescue efforts were hindered by the presence of other active alligators in the water, and the man's body was recovered about two hours later, Winter Garden Fire Chief Jose Gainza told FOX35.

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission trappers captured and euthanized the 11.8-foot alligator involved in the attack, and authorities are conducting a joint investigation, Police Capt. Michael Mason said.

Mason noted that no prior alligator sightings had been reported before the attack, but alligators are common in Lake Apopka. He urged people to stay aware and keep distance from wildlife when near the water.

This is the second fatal alligator attack in Florida this year, bringing the total number of alligator-related deaths since 1948 to 34, according to state data cited by WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando.