In a chilling development that has gripped Florida and beyond, authorities have released the latest details in the ongoing mystery surrounding two prominent attorneys who vanished during what was meant to be a routine fishing trip. Randall “Randy” Spivey, a 57-year-old Fort Myers-based lawyer specializing in personal injury cases, and his 33-year-old nephew Brandon Billmaier, a trial attorney with Shiner Law Group in Boca Raton, have been missing since December 19, 2025.

The duo departed early that Friday morning from a residence in Fort Myers aboard a 42-foot Freeman fishing vessel, planning to return by evening. Experienced boaters familiar with the Gulf of Mexico waters, they never made it back. Concern mounted when neither man responded to calls from their wives. By 9 p.m., Billmaier’s wife, Deborah, alerted the U.S. Coast Guard, triggering an immediate massive search operation involving aircraft, vessels, and advanced technology.

The following day, just after midnight on December 20, a Coast Guard helicopter spotted the boat adrift approximately 70 miles southwest of Fort Myers—still in gear with the engine running, but eerily empty. No signs of the men, no life jackets (despite two being on board), and no immediate evidence of distress or foul play were found. The discovery raised more questions than answers: Did they fall overboard? Was there an accident, medical emergency, or something more sinister?

A large-scale search ensued, combining efforts from the Coast Guard, local sheriff’s offices, military support, and even volunteers from across the Southeast. Despite combing vast areas of the Gulf, no trace of Spivey or Billmaier emerged. On December 22, the Coast Guard made the heartbreaking decision to suspend active search-and-rescue operations at sunset, citing dangerous conditions for rescuers after days of exhaustive efforts.

In a recent announcement, law enforcement clarified the shift in the case. While the Coast Guard has assumed primary investigative responsibility following the suspension, they continue collaborating closely with partners, including the FBI, which stands ready to assist or lead aspects of the probe. The unusual circumstances—particularly the powered boat found unmanned far offshore—have prompted speculation about possible foul play, though officials have not confirmed any criminal elements.

Friends, colleagues, and family remain devastated. Spivey’s firm and Billmaier’s law group issued statements expressing profound sorrow and clinging to hope. Deborah Billmaier has shared emotional updates, pleading for any information that could bring closure. The men were described as dedicated professionals, family men, and avid outdoorsmen who knew the waters well.

As of early January 2026, the investigation persists without major breakthroughs. Authorities urge anyone with potential leads to contact local law enforcement or anonymous tip lines. The case serves as a stark reminder of the Gulf’s unpredictable dangers, even for seasoned boaters. For now, the fate of Randy Spivey and Brandon Billmaier hangs in limbo, leaving loved ones and the public desperate for answers in this haunting disappearance.