Fort Myers, Florida – January 7, 2026 – In a somber development, law enforcement officials have issued an urgent plea to the families of missing boaters Randall “Randy” Spivey and Brandon Billmaier, advising them to prepare for the worst possible outcome as new information emerges tonight.

The two prominent personal injury attorneys – uncle Randy Spivey, 57, from Fort Myers, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, from Boca Raton – vanished during a routine offshore fishing trip on December 19, 2025. They departed early that morning aboard Spivey’s 42-foot Freeman catamaran, planning to return by evening. When they failed to check in, concerned family members alerted authorities around 9 p.m.

The U.S. Coast Guard launched an extensive search, covering thousands of square miles in the Gulf of Mexico. Tragically, the vessel was located drifting empty approximately 70-100 miles offshore, with engines running but no sign of the men. Life jackets and personal items remained on board, raising immediate fears of a mishap at sea.

Despite heroic efforts involving aircraft, boats, and volunteer searchers from across the Southeast, the Coast Guard suspended active operations on December 22 after several days of exhaustive scanning. The case then transitioned to an ongoing investigation led by the Coast Guard with FBI assistance, exploring all possibilities from accidental overboard incidents to foul play.

Both men were experienced boaters and successful lawyers. Randy Spivey ran a well-known firm in Fort Myers, while Brandon worked at the Shiner Law Group in Boca Raton. Family statements expressed profound grief, with Brandon’s wife Deborah sharing emotional pleas for information and describing their final communications.

As weeks passed without breakthroughs, hope faded amid harsh Gulf conditions – strong currents, unpredictable weather, and marine hazards. Private searches continued, but the vast ocean offered few clues.

Tonight’s police announcement signals a potential turning point, though details remain guarded to respect the families. Sources indicate authorities are bracing loved ones for confirmation of loss, possibly tied to recent developments in the probe. The community has rallied with prayers, fundraisers, and volunteer efforts, highlighting the men’s positive impact as dedicated professionals and family men.

This case echoes past maritime tragedies in Florida waters, where sudden accidents can claim lives swiftly. Experts note that even seasoned fishermen face risks from swells, equipment failure, or medical emergencies.

The families’ strength amid uncertainty has inspired many, but the looming “bad news” underscores the heartbreak of unresolved disappearances. As the investigation continues, questions linger about what exactly transpired on that fateful day.

Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. For now, the focus remains on supporting the Spivey and Billmaier families through this agonizing chapter, hoping for closure in a story that has gripped Southwest Florida.