In a devastating incident that has gripped Southwest Florida, prominent attorney Randall “Randy” Spivey Sr., 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, remain missing after their fishing boat was found adrift and empty in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 70 miles west of Fort Myers Beach. The two experienced boaters set out on December 19, 2025, for a deep-sea fishing trip aboard a 42-foot Freeman catamaran named “Unstopp-A-Bull,” but never returned, leaving their families in agonizing limbo as they brace for the worst.

The U.S. Coast Guard launched an extensive search after the men were reported overdue that evening, deploying aircraft, boats, and rescue swimmers. Early on December 20, a helicopter crew located the vessel still in gear and moving slowly, with no one on board. Two life jackets were missing, fueling initial hope that the men might be afloat and wearing them. Authorities believe one may have fallen overboard, prompting the other to jump in for rescue, unaware the engine was running, causing the boat to drift away irretrievably.

Over four days, the search covered nearly 6,700 square miles—an area the size of Connecticut—involving multiple agencies, volunteers, and even private aircraft. Hundreds of community members rallied, forming one of the largest volunteer armadas in regional history. Despite these heroic efforts, no trace of Spivey or Billmaier was found, leading the Coast Guard to suspend active operations at sunset on December 22, pending new leads. The case has since transitioned to an FBI missing persons investigation.

Both men were accomplished personal injury attorneys deeply devoted to their families and communities. Spivey, a well-respected Fort Myers lawyer, was described as a beacon of integrity and kindness, an avid outdoorsman who mentored many. Billmaier, following in his uncle’s footsteps, worked at a Boca Raton firm and had recently married. The pair shared a profound bond, with Brandon viewing Randy as a second father—guiding him through life milestones like graduations and his wedding.

The emotional toll on loved ones is profound. Brandon’s wife, Deborah, has spoken of their beautiful love story and the simple joys they shared, finding solace only in knowing he was doing what he loved. Randy’s son, Randy Jr., has been particularly heartbroken, driving overnight from out of state to join the search and publicly sharing his unrelenting hope. In a poignant ritual born of grief, he calls his father’s phone every night, clinging to the slim chance of a miracle amid the vast ocean.

This tragedy underscores the unpredictable dangers of offshore adventures, even for seasoned individuals prioritizing safety. Families emphasize gratitude for the exhaustive efforts of rescuers and volunteers, while urging respect for the suspension decision to avoid further risks. As weeks pass into the new year, the Spivey and Billmaier families hold onto fading hope, supported by a community mourning two selfless lights lost too soon. Their story serves as a somber reminder of life’s fragility and the enduring power of family bonds.