The Nebraska family who was vacationing at Disney World’s Grand Floridian resort earlier this week and lost their 2-year-old son Lane Graves to an alligator attack released a statement on Saturday morning.
“Melissa and I continue to deal with the loss of our beloved boy, Lane, and are overwhelmed with the support and love we have received from family and friends in our community as well as from around the country. We understand the public’s interest, but as we move forward this weekend, we ask for and appreciate the privacy we need to lay our son to rest. Neither Melissa, myself or anyone from our family will be speaking publicly; we simply cannot at this time,” Matt and Melissa Graves stated in the statement given out by Sara Brady Public Relations, Inc.
The attack happened at 9 p.m. Tuesday, at the resort and the toddler was at the edge of the water of the beach on Seven Seas Lagoon when the alligator grabbed him, according to Jeff Williamson of the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
Williamson said Matt Graves tried to save his young son, but was unsuccessful. The elder Graves suffered cuts to his arms from struggling with the reptile. Several witnesses saw the gator drag the boy under the water, Orange County Sheriff Jerry said.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission euthanized five gators found in the lagoon before the child’s body was eventually found.
In the response to the incident, Disney has posted signs warning guests of alligators and snakes and have built a rope fence.