In a shocking turn of events off the coast of Florida, two experienced attorneys have vanished without a trace, leaving their families devastated and authorities scrambling for answers. Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, set out on what was supposed to be a routine fishing excursion on December 19, 2025, but never returned. Their 42-foot Freeman boat was discovered drifting empty in the Gulf of Mexico, engine still running, sparking questions about whether this was a tragic accident or something more sinister. As the U.S. Coast Guard suspends its search, the FBI has stepped in to investigate, amid growing speculation online.

The incident has gripped Southwest Florida, where Spivey and Billmaier were well-known figures in the legal community. Families and friends have broken down in tears at the scene, pleading for any information that could bring closure. “I am heartbroken posting this,” Billmaier’s wife, Deborah, shared on social media shortly after the disappearance. “My husband, Brandon, went out fishing yesterday with his uncle off the coast of Fort Myers. They left early in the morning on Friday, Dec. 19 and were meant to come back that afternoon.” The shift from rescue to investigation has only deepened the mystery: What really happened out there on the open water?

The Fateful Fishing Trip: Timeline of the Disappearance

Spivey and Billmaier, both avid offshore fishermen familiar with the Gulf waters, launched their boat, named “Unstopp-A-Bull,” from a dock in Fort Myers before dawn on December 19. The plan was simple: a day of bottom fishing about 100 miles offshore, with a return by sunset. Both men were described as seasoned boaters who knew the area well, making their vanishing all the more baffling.

By 7:30 p.m. that evening, with no word from the pair, concern turned to alarm. Spivey’s wife, Tricia, reported them missing around 9 p.m., prompting an immediate response from the U.S. Coast Guard. A helicopter was deployed by 11 p.m., scanning the dark waters for any signs. The search continued through the night, but it wasn’t until early Sunday, December 21, that the breakthrough—or rather, the eerie discovery—came.

At approximately 1:30 a.m., rescuers located the boat floating 70 miles west of Naples, upright and intact but completely empty. The engine was still in gear and running, the emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) was active but unused, and two life jackets were missing from storage. There were no signs of collision, distress, or foul play on the vessel itself. Weather conditions were relatively calm—winds around 10 mph and seas of about 4 feet—ruling out a severe storm as the culprit.

Physical descriptions of the men were released to aid in the search: Spivey, 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds with brown hair and eyes, last seen in khaki pants and a dark shirt; Billmaier, 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds with strawberry blonde hair and brown eyes.

Massive Search Efforts: From Hope to Heartbreak

The rescue operation quickly escalated into one of the largest in recent Florida history, covering an area larger than the state of Connecticut—over 6,700 square miles. Multiple agencies joined forces, including the Coast Guard’s Southeast District, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Collier County Fire Department, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and even the Air Force from Patrick Air Force Base. Assets deployed included helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, response boats, and volunteer vessels coordinated through local boating communities like SWFL Boaters and Stokes Marine.

Captain Corrie Sergent of the Coast Guard updated the public on Sunday, December 21, saying crews were “pursuing all leads and saturating the area” while expressing thoughts for the families. Despite the exhaustive efforts—air searches up to 5,000 feet and surface scans extending 35 miles in all directions—no trace of the men was found.

On Monday, December 22, at sundown, the Coast Guard made the difficult decision to suspend active search and rescue operations. In a private briefing with the families, officials explained that the area had been thoroughly covered with high confidence that any survivors on the surface would have been located. The families, while heartbroken, accepted the call, noting in a statement that Spivey and Billmaier, as advocates for public safety, would have agreed that “everything possible has been done.” They urged respect for the decision to avoid further risks to rescuers.

Who Were Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier?

Randall Spivey was a pillar of the Fort Myers legal scene, founding Spivey Law Firm Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. Board-certified in civil trial law—a distinction held by only 1% of Florida lawyers—he had over 30 years of experience handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, securing more than $219 million for clients. Known for his dedication to injured individuals, Spivey was described by family as deeply concerned about public safety.

Brandon Billmaier, following in his uncle’s footsteps, was an associate at Shiner Law Group in Boca Raton since August 2023. Holding a Juris Doctor and MBA from the University of Toledo, he was recognized as one of the Top 10 Attorneys for Client Satisfaction and inducted into Lawyers of Distinction. Both shared a love for fishing and family time on the water.

Shiner Law Group issued a statement expressing deep sadness, calling Billmaier a “valued member of our firm.”

The FBI Takes Over: From Rescue to Investigation

With the search suspended, the case transitioned to the FBI as a missing persons probe, citing the “unusual circumstances” and the location beyond U.S. territorial waters. Former FBI agent Richard Kolko noted the jurisdiction allows federal involvement when incidents occur far offshore. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the handover, with an FBI spokesperson stating it’s “standard practice” to assist if tools or techniques can help.

Investigators are examining the boat’s GPS data, cell phone records, and weather patterns. No distress calls were made, and the unused EPIRB raises questions about why help wasn’t summoned.

Theories Emerge: Accident or Foul Play?

While officials have not speculated publicly, online discussions have exploded with theories. Common scenarios include a sudden medical emergency where one man fell overboard, and the other jumped in to rescue him, both wearing life jackets but succumbing to the elements. Others suggest a fishing accident, like entanglement in gear or being pulled over by a large catch.

More controversial are whispers of foul play tied to their legal work. Social media posts point to Spivey’s recent product liability lawsuit against Monsanto (now Bayer) filed on October 2, 2025, allegedly on behalf of his brother or a client related to Roundup herbicide. As personal injury lawyers handling cases against large corporations, some speculate corporate retaliation, though authorities emphasize there’s no evidence supporting this. Monsanto has faced thousands of lawsuits over Roundup’s alleged cancer links, with billions in settlements.

Experts like Kolko call the circumstances “certainly unusual,” but stress investigations must explore all angles without jumping to conclusions.

Community Rallies: Calls for Tips and Prayers

The Southwest Florida community has rallied, with boating groups volunteering and families offering rewards for information. Authorities urge anyone with details to contact the Coast Guard at 866-881-1392 or Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 239-477-1000. The case has also sparked conversations on maritime safety, emphasizing EPIRBs and emergency protocols.

As Christmas Day 2025 dawns, the families face an unimaginable holiday without answers. “We love you all,” their statement concluded, asking for compassion. The questions linger: Accident or planned? Only the investigation may tell.