THE CHILDREN KEEP ASKING 👨‍👩‍👧: The Heart-Wrenching Wait for Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier

As families across the country gather for holiday celebrations, the loved ones of Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier face an unimaginable void. The two Fort Myers attorneys and avid fishermen vanished during what was meant to be a routine deep-sea trip on December 19, 2025. Now, as December 30 approaches, relatives are struggling to explain their absence to wide-eyed children who keep asking, “When are Daddy and Uncle Randy coming home?” In a poignant twist, one young family member claims to have seen the boat’s lights flashing in a dream—a detail that eerily matches reports from the U.S. Coast Guard’s initial search efforts, leaving rescuers and loved ones alike unable to ignore its potential significance.

Randall “Randy” Spivey, 57, a respected Fort Myers personal injury attorney and founder of Spivey Law Firm, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, a trial attorney at Boca Raton’s Shiner Law Group, left before dawn from Spivey’s home dock on Intracoastal Court in Iona. They were aboard Randy’s prized 42-foot Freeman catamaran, nicknamed “Unstopp-A-Bull,” equipped for bottom fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Both men were experienced boaters—Randy with over 30 years on the water—and passionate about the sport that bonded them as family.

Here is an official photo of Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier, released by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office:

foxnews.com

Two attorneys vanish during Florida fishing trip as ‘heartbroken’ wife pleads for help finding them

This image captures the uncle and nephew in happier times, smiling together after a successful fishing outing.

A Routine Trip Turns to Nightmare

The men departed around 8 a.m., planning to return by afternoon. Randy’s wife, Tricia Spivey, expected a text or call confirming their safe return. By 7:30 p.m., with no word, panic set in. Tricia contacted the U.S. Coast Guard, who launched an immediate search-and-rescue operation.

Just two hours later, around 9:30 p.m., a Coast Guard helicopter spotted the boat drifting 70 miles offshore, near Marco Island. It was upright, engines running in gear, but completely empty. No signs of struggle, damage, or distress signals. Two life jackets were missing, suggesting the men might have donned them before going overboard. Their phones, wallets, and other belongings remained on board.

Deborah Billmaier, Brandon’s wife of 15 months, shared her anguish in a Facebook post: “My husband, Brandon, went out fishing yesterday with his uncle… They left early in the morning on Friday and were meant to come back that afternoon. We have not heard from them since.” She described the boat as found “still running,” adding to the mystery: How could both men disappear without activating the EPIRB emergency beacon or radioing for help?

The Search Effort: Coast Guard and Community Unite

The U.S. Coast Guard mobilized swiftly, deploying helicopters, cutters, and aircraft covering over 6,700 square miles—equivalent to the size of Connecticut. Partner agencies, including the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, joined in. By Saturday morning, more than two dozen volunteer boats from across Southwest Florida and beyond rallied to the cause.

Tricia Spivey appealed directly to fellow boaters: “We’re asking for vessels capable of a 225-mile range to assist… Thank you to all the local heroes who are working to bring my husband Randy and nephew Brandon home.” Volunteers scoured the waters, some traveling from as far as Tampa and Miami. The Coast Guard’s search patterns, shared publicly, focused on currents and wind directions, estimating the men could have drifted miles if in the water.

Despite exhaustive efforts—navigating 10 mph winds and 3-foot seas—the men were not found. On Monday evening, December 22, the Coast Guard suspended active searches, a decision Captain Corrie Sergent called “the hardest I’ve ever made.” In a briefing with the family, officials expressed confidence that if the men were on the surface, they would have been located.

Yet the family’s hope persists. “We know without question that Randy and Brandon would reach the same conclusion as the experts: that everything possible has been done,” a family statement read. The FBI has since taken over as a missing persons investigation, exploring all possibilities, including accident, foul play, or voluntary departure—though the latter seems unlikely given their characters.

Here is an image of U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and vessels conducting search operations in the Gulf of Mexico:

navytimes.com

Coast Guard: Search for missing Seacor Power crew to be suspended

This photo illustrates the scale of the response, with aircraft scanning vast ocean expanses for any sign of the missing men.

The Children’s Questions: Dreams, Lights, and Unanswered Prayers

At the heart of this tragedy are the children left waiting. Randy leaves behind a son and daughter, while Brandon and Deborah had been building their new life together. Relatives describe bedtime routines turned heartbreaking: “The kids keep asking why Daddy hasn’t come back from fishing,” one aunt shared anonymously. “We tell them the Coast Guard is looking, but how do you explain something so scary?”

Most chilling is a child’s dream shared with family members. One young relative—believed to be Randy’s granddaughter—insisted she saw “the boat’s lights flashing” in her sleep, like a beacon in the dark water. Remarkably, this matches a detail from Coast Guard reports: During initial aerial sweeps, pilots noted intermittent flashing lights near the boat’s position, initially dismissed as reflections or debris. But upon further review, rescuers couldn’t ignore the coincidence.

“We’ve passed it along to the FBI and Coast Guard,” a family friend said. “It’s given us a spark of hope. Maybe it’s a sign from above.” Faith has been a pillar for the families—both men were devout, with Randy often crediting his success to “God’s grace.” Prayer vigils have sprung up in Fort Myers and Boca Raton, where communities rally with candles and signs reading “Bring Randy and Brandon Home.”

Deborah Billmaier, in an exclusive interview with Gulf Coast News, held onto that hope: “Brandon loved fishing—it was his passion. He lived for his family. I believe we’ll have our Christmas miracle.” She revealed Brandon’s final text to her: “Heading out—love you more than words. Be home soon.” Tricia echoed similar sentiments: “Randy’s been fishing his whole life. He’s the safest boater I know. Whatever happened was a freak accident.”

Who Were These Men? Pillars of Their Communities

Randall Spivey was more than an attorney; he was a community leader. Board-certified in civil trial law, he handled over 3,200 cases, earning AV Preeminent ratings and Super Lawyer honors for a decade. His firm specialized in helping injury victims, reflecting his compassionate nature. “He’d do anything for his family,” Tricia said. “And for strangers in need.”

Brandon Billmaier followed in his uncle’s footsteps, joining Shiner Law Group in August 2023 as a trial attorney. A University of Toledo Law School graduate, he was newly married and excited about starting a family. “Brandon was our light,” Deborah said. “He advocated for everyone.”

Both men were known for their integrity and kindness. Colleagues at Shiner Law Group issued a statement: “We’re deeply saddened… Brandon was a valued colleague and friend. We pray for their safe return.”

Ongoing Efforts and How You Can Help

Though official searches paused, private efforts continue. Volunteers monitor currents, and the FBI urges tips: Did anyone see the boat Friday morning? Notice unusual activity offshore?

Contact:

FBI Missing Persons: 1-800-CALL-FBI
Lee County Sheriff’s Office: 239-477-1000
U.S. Coast Guard: 866-881-1392

A reward fund has been established for credible leads. “Few people cared more about others’ safety than Randy and Brandon,” the family said. “Now, we’re asking for that same care in return.”

As the Gulf’s waves continue to roll, families hold vigils, children whisper prayers, and one dream keeps hope alive. The flashing lights—real or symbolic—remind us: Sometimes, the answers come in the quiet moments of faith.

Here is a photo from a community prayer vigil held in Fort Myers for Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier:

wpbf.com

Coast Guard suspends search for missing boaters off Florida coast

This image shows loved ones gathered with candles, symbolizing the community’s unwavering support.

The search may have paused, but the quest for answers endures. If you have information, speak up. For now, families wait, answering children’s questions with hugs and hope.