In the vast, unforgiving expanse of the Gulf of Mexico, where turquoise waters can turn treacherous in an instant, two men set out on what should have been a routine fishing adventure. Randall “Randy” Spivey, a seasoned 57-year-old attorney from Fort Myers, and his 33-year-old nephew, Brandon Billmaier, a rising star in the legal world from Boca Raton, boarded a 42-foot Freeman boat before dawn on December 19, 2025. Their plan: a day of deep-sea fishing roughly 100 miles offshore, chasing the thrill of the catch under Florida’s winter sun. But as the hours ticked by and sunset approached without their return, a sense of dread began to ripple through their families and the coastal communities they called home. What followed was a frantic, multi-agency search that spanned thousands of square miles, only to end in agonizing suspension—leaving loved ones clinging to fragile hope amid the waves.

This story isn’t just about a boating mishap; it’s a gripping tale of human resilience, the perils of the sea, and the unbreakable bonds of family. As the U.S. Coast Guard called off their efforts on December 22, 2025, questions lingered: What caused these experienced boaters to vanish? Was it a sudden accident, foul play, or the Gulf’s merciless whims? Drawing from official reports, family interviews, and expert insights, we delve deep into this unfolding tragedy, exploring the lives lost at sea, the heroic search that ensued, and the lingering shadows it casts over Florida’s sun-kissed shores. Prepare to be drawn into a narrative that pulses with suspense, emotion, and the raw power of nature’s unpredictability.

The Men Behind the Mystery: Profiles of Randy Spivey and Brandon Billmaier

To understand the depth of this loss, one must first know the men who disappeared. Randall Lynn Spivey was no ordinary fisherman; he was a pillar of the Fort Myers legal community. Born and raised in Florida, Spivey earned a Bachelor’s Degree with high honors from the University of South Florida, followed by a Master of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1989, he founded the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in 2008, building a reputation as a fierce advocate for the injured. Specializing in catastrophic personal injury cases, Spivey was known for his tenacity in the courtroom, securing multimillion-dollar settlements for clients victimized by negligence. But beyond his professional accolades, Spivey was a family man—a devoted husband to Deborah Spivey and father to his son, Randall Spivey Jr. Friends described him as charismatic, with a passion for the outdoors that matched his drive in law. Standing 6’1″ and weighing about 245 pounds, with brown hair and eyes, he was last seen in khaki pants and a dark shirt, embodying the quintessential Florida outdoorsman.

His nephew, Brandon Stevens Billmaier, brought a fresh energy to the duo. Born in Ohio and raised in Michigan, Billmaier was a Bedford High School graduate who pursued higher education at the University of Toledo, earning a bachelor’s in supply chain management before obtaining dual Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 2020, he quickly rose as a trial attorney at the Shiner Law Group in Boca Raton, focusing on personal injury litigation. Colleagues praised his kindness, integrity, and sharp legal mind. At 6’2″ and 250 pounds, with strawberry-blond hair and brown eyes, Billmaier was not only a skilled lawyer but also an avid adventurer, often joining family outings like this fishing trip. The uncle-nephew pair shared a close bond, forged through shared professional paths and love for the sea. Their disappearance has left a void in Palm Beach County’s legal circles, where Billmaier was seen as a “valued member and friend,” according to Shiner Law Group founder David Shiner.

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Authorities Call Off Search for Missing Uncle and Nephew

These weren’t novices; both were experienced boaters familiar with the Gulf’s moods. Spivey’s 42-foot Freeman, a high-performance vessel designed for offshore fishing, was equipped with modern navigation and safety gear. Yet, as we’ll see, even the best preparations can falter against nature’s fury.

The Fateful Trip: A Timeline of Disappearance

The day began with promise. On the morning of December 19, 2025, Spivey and Billmaier departed from a private residence in the 15000 block of Intracoastal Court in Fort Myers, fueling up with $110 worth of gasoline before heading west into the Gulf. Their destination: prime fishing grounds about 100 miles offshore, a spot known for its abundant marine life but also its isolation. Weather reports that day indicated mild conditions—winds around 10 mph and seas of 3 feet—nothing to raise alarms.

By sunset, however, concern mounted. The men had promised to return by evening, but as 9 p.m. approached with no sign of them, family members alerted authorities. The U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg launched an immediate response, issuing an urgent marine information broadcast and mobilizing assets. Around midnight on December 20, a helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater spotted the Freeman adrift approximately 70 miles west of Fort Myers. The boat’s engines were still running, lights on, but eerily empty. A rescue swimmer boarded, securing the vessel before it was towed to Station Fort Myers Beach for forensic examination.

No life jackets were missing, and personal items like phones and wallets remained aboard, suggesting a sudden departure. Coast Guard officials theorized one man fell overboard—perhaps due to a rogue wave or mechanical issue—and the other jumped in to assist, unaware the autopilot or throttle would carry the boat away. This “man overboard” scenario is chillingly common in offshore incidents, where seconds can mean the difference between rescue and tragedy.

The Massive Search: Heroes Against the Odds

What ensued was one of the most extensive search operations in recent Florida history. Covering an area of about 6,700 square miles—roughly the size of Connecticut—the effort involved a symphony of air, sea, and land resources. Coast Guard cutters like the USCGC Crocodile patrolled the waters, while HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Air Stations Clearwater, Miami, and Elizabeth City scanned from above. MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters conducted low-level sweeps, their crews braving fatigue to spot any sign of life.

Partners amplified the reach: The Florida State Guard, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and private volunteers contributed boats and planes. Even civilian mariners joined, their vessels forming a makeshift flotilla. “Our crews worked tirelessly,” said Lt. Amy Harrison, the search and rescue mission coordinator. “We covered an extensive area but, unfortunately, were unable to locate the two missing men.” Weather remained cooperative, but the Gulf’s currents—capable of carrying debris miles in hours—complicated predictions.

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Coast Guard leads search for two men after vessel found abandoned …

Despite the scale, no debris, life preservers, or signals were found. Survival experts note that without flotation devices, chances diminish rapidly in open water, especially at night when hypothermia sets in. By sunset on December 22, Capt. Corrie Sergent made the gut-wrenching call to suspend active searches. “There is no harder decision than suspending a search,” Sergent stated. “Our thoughts are with the families during this extremely challenging time.”

Heartbreak on Shore: Family and Community Reactions

The suspension hit like a tidal wave. Deborah Spivey, Randy’s wife, shared her anguish in an exclusive interview: “They were experienced fishermen. This doesn’t make sense.” She described the agonizing wait, from the initial call to authorities to the boat’s discovery without her husband. Their son, Randall Jr., remained hopeful, vowing to continue private searches. “I’m not giving up on finding my dad and cousin,” he said.

In Boca Raton, the Shiner Law Group mourned profoundly. “Brandon was not only an exceptional attorney but a remarkable human being whose kindness left a lasting mark,” read their statement. David Shiner added, “We are heartbroken.” The legal community rallied, with tributes pouring in on social media. An X post from a non-profit amplified the alert, describing the men and urging shares.

Friends painted pictures of joy: family barbecues, courtroom victories, and shared laughs on the water. This wasn’t just a news story; it was a personal catastrophe rippling through networks of colleagues, clients, and kin.

Echoes of the Past: Similar Tragedies in Florida Waters

Florida’s coastline, a magnet for boaters, has seen its share of vanishings. In 2023, four fishermen disappeared off Venice after their boat capsized in rough seas, with only debris recovered despite massive searches. Similarly, in 2016, two teens from Tequesta went missing on a fishing trip, their boat found capsized days later, sparking national attention and reforms in boating safety. These cases highlight common culprits: sudden weather changes, equipment failure, or human error.

Experts like Capt. John Slaughter, a retired Coast Guard officer, emphasize prevention: “Always file a float plan, wear life jackets, and have EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons).” The Gulf’s loop current can sweep victims far, making recovery slim after 72 hours. Spivey and Billmaier’s case echoes these, fueling calls for enhanced tracking tech on vessels.

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There is no harder decision’: Coast Guard calls off search for …

The Ongoing Quest: FBI Investigation and Lingering Hope

With the search halted, the FBI took the lead, treating it as a potential criminal matter amid whispers of foul play—though no evidence supports this. Investigators combed the boat for clues: fingerprints, GPS data, even fuel levels. Public tips are urged via the Coast Guard at 866-881-1392.

As Christmas 2025 dawned without resolution, families prepared for a somber holiday. “We’re praying for a miracle,” Deborah Spivey said. Private searches continue, funded by community donations, with drones and sonar probing deeper.

Reflections on the Sea’s Secrets

This tragedy reminds us of the ocean’s dual nature: a source of joy and peril. Spivey and Billmaier embodied the American dream—successful, adventurous, family-oriented—yet vanished in a blink. Their story stimulates not just curiosity but empathy, urging us to cherish loved ones and respect the waves.

As the Gulf whispers its secrets, hope endures. Perhaps one day, answers will surface. Until then, the search—in hearts and horizons—goes on.