In a devastating update that has shocked communities across Florida, authorities have confirmed the worst fears surrounding the disappearance of two prominent attorneys, Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33. The pair vanished during what was supposed to be a routine deep-sea fishing trip off the coast of Fort Myers on December 19, leaving behind a trail of eerie clues that now point to a tragic outcome.

The men, both experienced boaters and passionate fishermen, set out early that morning aboard Spivey’s 42-foot Freeman catamaran, named “Unstopp-A-Bull.” They were headed approximately 70-100 miles offshore into the Gulf of Mexico for a day of fishing. When they failed to return by evening, family members raised the alarm, triggering an massive search operation involving the U.S. Coast Guard, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and numerous volunteers.

Search teams located the boat the following day, floating upright and engine still running, about 70 miles west of Naples. Disturbingly, the vessel appeared otherwise intact, with no immediate signs of struggle or damage. However, two life jackets were conspicuously missing from the boat, fueling initial hopes that the men might have been wearing them after an accident. Coast Guard officials theorized that one man may have fallen overboard, prompting the other to jump in to assist—unaware that the motor remained engaged, leaving the boat to circle aimlessly.

Despite exhaustive efforts—including air and sea patrols covering vast areas, support from private vessels, and coordination across multiple agencies—the men were never located on the water’s surface. After days of relentless searching, the Coast Guard made the painful decision to suspend operations at sunset on December 22, citing the high confidence that if the men had been afloat, they would have been found given the resources deployed.

The case has since transitioned into an active FBI missing persons investigation, reflecting the unusual circumstances and the need for deeper scrutiny. Family members, including Billmaier’s wife Deborah and Spivey’s wife Tricia, expressed profound grief but supported the suspension, noting that Randy and Brandon—devoted family men and respected personal injury lawyers—would never want others risking their lives further. “This is heartbreaking,” Deborah shared in a public statement, emphasizing their love for family and the sea.

Spivey, a longtime Fort Myers attorney with decades of experience helping injured clients, was described as a devoted husband and father who would do anything for loved ones. Billmaier, a Boca Raton-based trial attorney at the Shiner Law Group who followed in his uncle’s footsteps, had recently married and was building a promising career. Colleagues at the firm expressed deep sorrow, calling Billmaier a valued friend and colleague.

As the investigation continues, the community holds onto slim hopes while grappling with the painful reality. The alignment of every clue—from the empty, running boat to the absent life jackets—paints a picture of a sudden, heroic but fatal mishap at sea. Friends and family continue to pray for closure, remembering two men who lived passionately and cared deeply for those around them. The Gulf, often beautiful and bountiful, has claimed two more lives in a reminder of its unforgiving power.