Tragic Disappearance at Sea: The Mysterious Case of Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier
On December 19, 2025, two prominent Florida attorneys—uncle and nephew Randall “Randy” Spivey, 57, and Brandon Billmaier, 33—embarked on what was intended to be a routine deep-sea fishing trip off the coast of Fort Myers. They departed early from Spivey's home dock in Iona aboard a 42-foot Freeman boat named “Unstopp-A-Bull,” planning to return by evening. What unfolded instead has become one of Southwest Florida's most heartbreaking and puzzling missing persons cases, captivating the community and prompting a massive search effort that ultimately transitioned into a federal investigation.
Randall Spivey, a well-respected personal injury attorney and founder of the Spivey Law Firm in Fort Myers, had dedicated over 30 years to advocating for injured clients in Southwest Florida. Described by friends and family as safety-conscious and an avid fisherman with decades of experience, Spivey was known for his devotion to his family and community. His nephew, Brandon Billmaier, followed in his footsteps, working as a trial attorney at the Shiner Law Group in Boca Raton since August 2023. Recently married, Billmaier was praised as a “light in this world” by those close to him. The pair's outing was meant to be a bonding trip, targeting bottom fishing approximately 100 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.
By late evening on December 19, when the men failed to return, concern escalated. Families contacted authorities around 9 p.m., triggering an immediate response from the Lee County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Coast Guard. Deborah Billmaier, Brandon's wife, shared a morning text from her husband expressing love and anticipation of returning that night, heightening the alarm when communication ceased.
Early the next morning, on December 20, a Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station Clearwater located the “Unstopp-A-Bull” adrift approximately 70 miles west of Fort Myers, near Marco Island and Flamingo. The vessel was found upright, engines running, and in gear—but eerily empty. No signs of distress were immediately apparent, though two life jackets were reported missing, offering a glimmer of hope that the men might have donned them before entering the water. A rescue swimmer boarded the boat, which was later towed back to Station Fort Myers Beach for examination.
The discovery sparked one of the largest search operations in recent Southwest Florida history. The Coast Guard deployed multiple assets, including helicopters from Clearwater and Miami, cutters, and fixed-wing aircraft. Volunteers poured in from across the region—private boaters, pilots, and community members rallied, dropping holiday plans to assist. Social media groups like SWFL Boaters coordinated efforts, sharing search grids and coordinates. Deborah Billmaier and Tricia Spivey, Randall's wife, publicly pleaded for help, with Deborah posting updates and thanking “local heroes” for their support.
As daytime searches expanded over the weekend, air and sea patrols covered thousands of square miles. Volunteers from as far as neighboring states joined, using personal vessels capable of long-range offshore travel. Paul Rocuant, a longtime friend of Spivey since 1995, described him as “like a brother” and vowed to continue the effort. The community response was overwhelming, reflecting the men's reputations as compassionate attorneys who had helped countless individuals.
Yet, despite the exhaustive efforts—spanning over 6,700 square nautical miles and involving dozens of aircraft and vessels—no trace of Spivey or Billmaier was found. On December 22, at sunset, the Coast Guard made the difficult decision to suspend active search and rescue operations. Captain Jason Sergent of Sector St. Petersburg expressed profound gratitude to partners and volunteers but extended sincere condolences to the families.
In a statement, the Spivey and Billmaier families acknowledged the decision with grace: “Few people were more concerned about the safety of innocent people than Randy and Brandon. We know—without question—that they would reach the same conclusion as the experts: that everything possible has been done.” They emphasized confidence in the search's thoroughness, noting that if the men were on the surface, they would have been located.
The case did not end with the suspension. The FBI quickly assumed leadership of the missing persons investigation, standard procedure when circumstances warrant federal involvement. Sheriff Carmine Marceno of Lee County confirmed the transition, noting the FBI's tools and techniques would aid in determining what transpired. While foul play has not been suggested, the unusual nature of the disappearance—an empty, running boat with no distress signals—has raised questions about a possible sudden incident, such as one man falling overboard and the other attempting a rescue.
As of December 25, 2025, no new developments have emerged publicly. The families continue to hold onto hope, with some expressing belief in a “Christmas miracle” in private interviews. The Shiner Law Group, Billmaier's employer, issued a statement expressing deep sadness and requesting prayers for both men.
This tragedy underscores the unpredictable dangers of offshore boating, even for experienced mariners. The Gulf of Mexico, while a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, can turn treacherous quickly with currents, weather shifts, or mechanical issues. Spivey and Billmaier's story has touched many, highlighting themes of family bonds, community solidarity, and the fragility of life at sea.
The investigation remains ongoing under FBI oversight. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities. For now, the Southwest Florida community mourns two beloved figures, hoping for closure in a case that has defied easy explanation.