On December 19, 2025, two respected Florida attorneys—57-year-old Randall “Randy” Spivey and his 33-year-old nephew Brandon Billmaier—set out for what was meant to be an exciting deep-sea fishing trip off the coast of Fort Myers. The uncle-nephew duo, both passionate about the ocean, departed early from Spivey’s home in Iona aboard a 42-foot Freeman catamaran named “Unstopp-A-Bull.” They were expected back by evening, but as night fell, concern turned to panic when they failed to return.
Family members reported them missing around 9 p.m. that Friday. A massive search operation swiftly launched, led by the U.S. Coast Guard with support from local agencies and volunteers. Early Saturday morning, a helicopter spotted the boat adrift approximately 70 miles west of Fort Myers in the Gulf of Mexico. Shockingly, it was empty, still in gear, and upright—no signs of distress or damage. Two life jackets were missing, offering a sliver of hope that the men might have donned them and were floating somewhere in the vast waters.
Randall Spivey, a prominent personal injury lawyer in Southwest Florida with over 30 years of experience, was described by loved ones as a devoted family man and mentor. Brandon Billmaier, who followed in his uncle’s footsteps by becoming a trial attorney at the Shiner Law Group in Boca Raton, had recently married and was seen as a rising star in the legal field. Their close bond made the trip a cherished tradition, but it has now become a nightmare for their families.
The search covered thousands of square miles, involving aircraft, boats, and hundreds of volunteers from across the region. Wives Deborah Billmaier and Tricia Spivey shared emotional pleas on social media, clinging to optimism amid the agony. Yet, after days of exhaustive efforts in challenging conditions, the Coast Guard made the agonizing decision to suspend active search operations at sunset on December 22, 2025. Officials called it one of the most difficult choices, emphasizing the risks to rescuers.
The case has since transitioned to a federal missing persons investigation by the FBI, raising questions about whether foul play or an unforeseen accident was involved. While no evidence of criminal activity has surfaced publicly, the mysterious circumstances— an empty boat far offshore with no mayday call—have fueled speculation.
As Christmas approached without answers, families expressed profound grief but gratitude for the community’s support. Deborah Billmaier noted that her husband spent his final known hours doing what he loved most: fishing with family. The Shiner Law Group issued a statement mourning the loss of their colleague, highlighting Brandon’s dedication and the surreal pain of the situation.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the ocean’s unforgiving nature. Two lives full of promise vanished without trace, leaving heartbroken families, colleagues, and a community searching for closure. Prayers continue for a miracle, but the harsh reality underscores how quickly joy can turn to sorrow at sea.