In the serene yet unforgiving waters of the Gulf of Mexico, a routine fishing trip turned into one of Florida’s most heartbreaking and perplexing disappearances of 2025. On December 19, Randall “Randy” Spivey, a respected 57-year-old personal injury attorney from Fort Myers, and his 33-year-old nephew, Brandon Billmaier, a talented trial lawyer from Boca Raton, set out for a day of deep-sea adventure aboard Spivey’s 42-foot Freeman boat, named “Unstopp-A-Bull.” What began as an exciting uncle-nephew outing quickly spiraled into tragedy when the men failed to return, their vessel later found adrift and empty. The U.S. Coast Guard’s exhaustive search ended in suspension, and now the FBI leads a missing persons investigation, leaving families, communities, and the public grappling with unanswered questions.

This story captivates not only for its sudden loss but for the human elements: two accomplished professionals, bound by family and a shared passion for justice and the sea, vanishing without a trace. As details emerge—from the boat’s eerie discovery to the emotional toll on loved ones—this narrative draws readers into a real-life drama of hope, grief, and resilience against the ocean’s vast mysteries.

Profiles of Resilience: The Lives of Randy Spivey and Brandon Billmaier

Randall Lynn Spivey was a cornerstone of Southwest Florida’s legal landscape. A dedicated personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience, he founded his own firm in Fort Myers, advocating fiercely for victims of negligence. Described by family as an “incredible, devoted, and loved husband and father,” Spivey balanced his professional tenacity with a deep commitment to his wife, Tricia (or Deborah in some reports), and son. At 6’1″ and 245 pounds, with brown hair and eyes, he was last seen in khaki pants and a dark shirt, embodying the rugged Florida lifestyle he cherished.

His nephew, Brandon Stevens Billmaier, followed in those footsteps with remarkable promise. Recently married, Billmaier joined the Shiner Law Group in Boca Raton in 2023, where he quickly earned respect as a compassionate and skilled trial attorney. Colleagues at the firm hailed him as a “true gentleman” with a positive attitude, always ready to help. Standing 6’2″ and 250 pounds, with strawberry-blond hair and brown eyes, Billmaier represented the next generation of legal advocates helping the injured. The uncle-nephew duo shared not just blood but a profound bond, often escaping to the water for respite from demanding careers.

Both men were experienced boaters, familiar with the Gulf’s rhythms. Their vessel, equipped with modern safety features including a spot tracker, seemed prepared for the journey. Yet, the sea proved indifferent.

The Fateful Day: A Timeline of Disappearance

The trip commenced early on December 19, 2025, from a private dock in Fort Myers’ Iona area on Intracoastal Court. The pair headed approximately 100 miles offshore, targeting rich fishing grounds off Naples. Conditions were favorable—calm seas and mild winds—offering no forewarning of danger.

By evening, worry escalated. Reported overdue around 9 p.m., the men triggered an immediate Coast Guard response. Using GPS data from the boat’s tracker, a helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater located the Freeman adrift around midnight on December 20, about 70 miles west of Fort Myers—still in gear, engines running, lights on, but devoid of occupants.

A rescue swimmer boarded, deploying the anchor to halt its drift before towing it to Station Fort Myers Beach. Notably, two life jackets were missing, sparking hope that the men had donned them in an emergency. Personal belongings remained aboard, supporting the initial theory of a sudden man-overboard incident—perhaps one slipped, and the other attempted rescue, only for the autopilot to carry the empty boat away.

The Epic Search: Exhaustive Efforts Yield No Trace

The Coast Guard mobilized an unparalleled operation, scouring over 6,700 square miles—an expanse comparable to Connecticut. Assets included multiple cutters, HC-130 aircraft, MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters, and support from partner agencies like the Florida State Guard and Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Volunteers from across Florida and beyond contributed boats and planes, forming a vast network of searchers.

Crews endured grueling hours, scanning for debris, signals, or survivors. “We executed this massive search with the utmost professionalism, persistence, and compassion,” said Capt. Corrie Sergent of Sector St. Petersburg. Despite the scale and cooperative weather, no signs emerged—no bodies, no wreckage beyond the intact boat.

On December 22, at sunset, Sergent announced the suspension: “There is no harder decision than suspending a search.” The family, briefed privately, supported the call, acknowledging exhaustive coverage and the risks to rescuers. “Randy and Brandon would never want anyone else to put their life in danger,” a family statement echoed.

Waves of Grief: Family and Community Responses

The suspension devastated loved ones. Brandon’s wife, Deborah Billmaier, expressed profound gratitude on social media for the searchers while pleading for continued prayers. Tricia Spivey highlighted her husband’s community impact, noting his decades helping the injured. Randall Jr. and other relatives clung to optimism, funding private efforts with drones and volunteers.

In Boca Raton, the Shiner Law Group mourned deeply: “We are deeply saddened by the disappearance of Brandon and his uncle, Randy.” Tributes flooded in, painting pictures of Billmaier’s humility and Spivey’s warmth. The legal communities in Fort Myers and Palm Beach County rallied, sharing stories of courtroom triumphs and personal kindnesses.

As Christmas approached, families faced a somber holiday. “We continue to pray and hold onto hope,” they affirmed, urging the public to keep the men in thoughts.

The Shift to Investigation: FBI Takes the Lead

With active searches halted “pending new information,” the case transitioned to the FBI, which assumed leadership in the missing persons probe. Authorities have not disclosed evidence of foul play, focusing instead on unraveling the circumstances. The boat underwent thorough examination, but details remain limited.

This handover is standard for unresolved offshore disappearances, allowing deeper forensic and investigative resources. Tips are encouraged through official channels.

Parallels in Peril: Florida’s History of Maritime Mysteries

Florida’s coasts have witnessed similar heartaches. Capsized vessels, sudden weather shifts, and mechanical failures often claim lives, with currents scattering evidence rapidly. Survival odds plummet without immediate rescue, especially in cooler December waters where hypothermia looms.

Experts advocate precautions: filing float plans, carrying EPIRBs, and wearing life jackets. The missing jackets here offer a sliver of hope, suggesting preparedness in crisis.

Lingering Hope Amid Uncertainty

As of late December 2025, no new developments have surfaced. Private searches persist, fueled by community donations and unwavering family determination. The Gulf, vast and silent, holds its secrets.

This tragedy resonates deeply: two men dedicated to justice, vanishing during a pursuit of joy. It reminds us of life’s fragility, the sea’s power, and the enduring strength of hope. Families ask for privacy while appreciating support. Perhaps one day, answers—or a miracle—will emerge from the depths.

In the meantime, Randy Spivey and Brandon Billmaier remain in hearts across Florida, symbols of lives lived fully, cut short too soon.