Parents of toddler killed in Disney gator attack ask for privacy

The parents of the 2-year-old toddler who was taken by an alligator at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Tuesday night thanked the public for their support in a statement Saturday.

The body of Lane Graves was recovered Wednesday afternoon. An autopsy revealed that the Nebraska toddler's death was caused by drowning and traumatic injury.

The boy's father, Matt, said the family continues to request privacy.

“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.”

Lane Graves was reportedly wading in around one foot of water as his family relaxed by the shore of the man-made lagoon Tuesday night when the gator snatched him.

His father attempted to rescue the boy from the alligator’s mouth, sustaining minor cuts to his hands, but was unsuccessful.

A fence has now been erected around the Seven Seas Lagoon where the gator, which witnesses said was 4 to 7 feet long, snatched the toddler.

At least six alligators were removed from the lagoon during the search for the body of the boy, who was on vacation with his parents and two siblings from Nebraska.

As of Friday afternoon, the beaches at Disney remained closed in the wake of the attack, and the company said it will conduct a review of safety protocols, including signage warning guests of the possible presence of alligators.

Cox Media Group