A routine deep-sea fishing adventure turned into an unimaginable nightmare for two prominent Florida attorneys on December 19, 2025, when Randall “Randy” Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, vanished in the vast waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Their empty 42-foot Freeman boat, “Unstopp-A-Bull,” was discovered circling aimlessly about 70-100 miles offshore southwest of Naples, engine running, but with no sign of the men—only two missing life jackets hinting at a desperate struggle. As the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its exhaustive search on December 22 after covering thousands of square miles, the heartbroken family revealed a chilling theory: “We believe a shark was involved.”
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The disappearance began like any other exciting outing for the avid fishermen. Spivey, a respected Fort Myers personal injury lawyer with over 30 years of experience helping accident victims, and Billmaier, his nephew who followed in his footsteps as a trial attorney at Boca Raton’s Shiner Law Group, left early that Friday morning from Spivey’s waterfront home in Iona. They headed far offshore for bottom-fishing, a passion they shared. By evening, when no contact came, alarm bells rang. Wives Tricia Spivey and Deborah Billmaier grew worried; by 9 p.m., family reported them missing to authorities.
The Coast Guard launched an immediate response, deploying helicopters and boats. Around 1:30 a.m. on December 20, searchers located the vessel upright and adrift, throttle engaged, but eerily empty. Fishing gear was scattered, suggesting activity had been underway. Crucially, two life jackets were gone from their storage—fueling hope that the men had donned them after falling overboard. Yet no debris, no distress signals, no bodies.
What could have happened in those remote waters? Family members pieced together a plausible yet terrifying scenario shared publicly. One man likely slipped or was pulled into the sea—perhaps while hauling a large fish or entangled in line. The other, in a heroic instinct, jumped in to rescue him, unaware the boat’s engine remained in gear, causing it to drift away unreachable. Alone in the open Gulf, miles from help, they faced hypothermia, exhaustion, and the ever-present predators of the deep.
Tricia Spivey, Randy’s wife, told reporters the remote location and circumstances pointed to a grim possibility: “We believe a shark was involved.” The Gulf of Mexico teems with aggressive species like bull sharks—known for their territorial behavior and ability to thrive in deep offshore waters—and tiger sharks, notorious scavengers drawn to struggling prey. Spearfishing or bottom-fishing often involves blood in the water from caught fish, a powerful attractant that can turn curiosity into catastrophe.
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Experts note that while shark attacks are rare—Florida leads the world with most incidents, yet fatalities remain exceptionally low—the open ocean amplifies risks. Blood, thrashing, and isolation create a perfect storm. Bull sharks, responsible for many Gulf encounters, are unpredictable apex predators capable of swift, devastating strikes. In deep water, away from beaches, survival odds plummet if a large shark intervenes.
The search was monumental. Coast Guard assets from multiple sectors, including aircraft from Clearwater, Miami, and beyond, plus cutters and volunteer boats, scoured over 6,700 square miles—an area larger than some states. Civilian pilots and vessels joined, coordinated by desperate families offering rewards. Deborah Billmaier posted updates on social media: “Thank you to all the local heroes… we are staying positive.” Yet after four grueling days, at sunset on December 22, the Coast Guard made the agonizing call to suspend active operations.
Capt. Corrie Sergent, commanding officer of Sector St. Petersburg, called it “no harder decision,” praising the massive effort while extending condolences. Family respected the choice, with Deborah writing: “While this is heartbreaking, Brandon and Randy would never want anyone else to put their life in danger.”
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The case shifted to the FBI, which assumed lead on the missing persons investigation—standard for offshore incidents involving potential foul play, though none is suspected here. No evidence of crime emerged; this appears a tragic accident amplified by nature’s unforgiving forces.
Randall Spivey was more than a lawyer; he was a pillar of Southwest Florida. Described as a “devoted husband and father” who “would do anything for his family,” he built his practice on advocating for the injured. Clients and colleagues flooded tributes: a man of integrity, humor, and generosity. Brandon, recently married, mirrored his uncle—sharp, compassionate, and dedicated to justice at Shiner Law Group. His boss, David Shiner, said: “Brandon is a valued member… someone we care about tremendously.”
The men’s love for the sea bonded them. Randy, an experienced boater, often ventured far for the thrill of big catches. Brandon, energetic and adventurous, joined eagerly. Photos show them smiling on decks, rods in hand—images now poignant reminders of joy cut short.
Florida’s waters, paradise for anglers, hide dangers. The state records most U.S. shark bites annually, often from blacktips near shores, but offshore threats like bulls and tigers lurk deeper. Boating accidents claim lives yearly—propeller strikes, falls overboard—but adding marine predators heightens horror.
As weeks pass into 2026, hope fades, yet families cling to miracles. Private searches continue sporadically. Communities rally with fundraisers, vigils. The Gulf, vast and indifferent, keeps its secrets.
This tragedy underscores ocean respect. Experts advise: never swim alone if overboard, conserve energy, wear bright life jackets. For fishermen: kill switches on engines, EPIRBs for emergencies.
Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier’s story evokes profound sorrow—a uncle-nephew bond, a day of leisure, vanishing into blue abyss. If sharks claimed them, it was swift, merciless. Their legacy endures in loved ones, clients helped, lives touched.
Our deepest condolences to the Spivey and Billmaier families. May they find peace amid unrelenting grief.
