In a case that gripped Southwest Florida and sparked nationwide concern, authorities have officially concluded their investigation into the disappearance of Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33. The findings align precisely with the physical evidence recovered, delivering a devastating blow to families and friends who held out hope for a miracle.

The uncle and nephew, both respected personal injury attorneys—Spivey based in Fort Myers and Billmaier affiliated with a Boca Raton firm—set out before dawn on December 19, 2025, for what was meant to be a routine deep-sea fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico. Departing from Spivey’s home in the Iona area aboard their 42-foot Freeman boat named “Unstopp-A-Bull,” the pair planned to return by evening. When night fell without contact, their worried wives alerted authorities, launching one of the largest search operations in recent memory.

The U.S. Coast Guard, alongside local sheriff’s offices and volunteers, mobilized air and sea assets, scouring over 6,700 square miles—an area roughly the size of Connecticut. Conditions were challenging but manageable, with moderate winds and seas around three feet. By Saturday morning, a helicopter crew spotted the vessel adrift approximately 70 miles west of Fort Myers (near Naples). Shockingly, the boat was upright, engine still running in gear, yet completely empty. Two life jackets were unaccounted for, but no sign of the men remained.

Initial theories suggested a tragic accident: perhaps one man fell overboard, and the other heroically jumped in to rescue him, unaware the boat’s motor continued propelling it away. The absence of a kill switch or other safety failures added to the mystery. After days of exhaustive efforts, the Coast Guard made the agonizing decision to suspend active search-and-rescue at sunset on December 22, 2025, pending new leads. The move was met with understanding from the grieving families, who expressed profound gratitude to rescuers while acknowledging the risks involved in continued operations far offshore.

The case then shifted to investigative mode. The FBI initiated a missing persons probe due to the “unusual circumstances” and location beyond typical U.S. territorial waters, collaborating with the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (now leading) and Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Speculation swirled online—ranging from foul play to rare maritime incidents—but officials emphasized evidence-based conclusions.

Now, police have formally announced that their final determination matches every piece of available evidence recovered from the scene and related inquiries. While details remain closely guarded to respect the families, the alignment suggests no foul play or external interference, pointing instead to a heartbreaking maritime mishap that claimed two lives dedicated to helping others. Spivey and Billmaier were described as community pillars—compassionate lawyers who touched countless lives—and their sudden loss has left a void felt deeply in legal and personal circles.

The families, though shattered, have asked for privacy and respect during this time of profound sorrow. As investigations wrap, the Gulf’s vast waters serve as a somber reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the fragility of life. Our thoughts remain with those mourning these irreplaceable men.