Toddler’s body recovered from Walt Disney World’s lagoon
The body the two-year-old toddler, who was dragged into a lagoon in Florida's Walt Disney World by an alligator in front of his family, has been recovered by the police. Divers were searching for the young boy and recovered an 'intact' body, which they believed to be the kid. Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings informed that the boy was Lane Graves from Nebraska.
- Two-year-old attacked, dragged into water by alligator
- Lifeguard didn't arrive to help in time
- No similar attacks lately, say reports
- Disney's official statement
- Toddler’s body recovered from Walt Disney World’s lagoon
- Five alligators killed
- Child drowned by the alligator: Orange County Sheriff
- Nebraska couple wouldn't face charges
- Disney installs gator warnings, barriers after mishap
Two-year-old attacked, dragged into water by alligator
A family with three children from Nebraska was relaxing near Seven Seas Lagoon at Florida's Walt Disney World. One of the kids, a two-year-old, was on the edge of the water when an alligator dragged him into the water; his father sustained minor injuries as he tried to pull his child out. There was no sign to warn visitors about the presence of alligators.
Lifeguard didn't arrive to help in time
The involved alligator is believed to be between 1.2–2 metres in length. Reportedly, 'No Swimming' signs were present near the lagoon, but no warning of alligators was there. An on-duty lifeguard was present but didn't arrive in time.
No similar attacks lately, say reports
Reportedly, the depth of water at the place from where the toddler was snatched by an alligator was only about 30 cm. Following the attack, all Disney recreational marinas and resort beaches were closed. Disney stated that it was devastated by the incident; according to recent reports, there were no similar alligator attacks at the lake near Florida's Disney World.
Disney's official statement
In an official statement, Walt Disney World said: "Our thoughts are with the family. We are helping the family and doing everything we can to assist the law enforcement."
Toddler’s body recovered from Walt Disney World’s lagoon
The body the two-year-old toddler, who was dragged into a lagoon in Florida's Walt Disney World by an alligator in front of his family, has been recovered by the police. Divers were searching for the young boy and recovered an 'intact' body, which they believed to be the kid. Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings informed that the boy was Lane Graves from Nebraska.
Five alligators killed
The search team seized and killed five alligators in an attempt to retrieve the kid's remains. A 50-member team used sonar equipment to search the ponds and lakes linked by canals to the Seven Seas Lagoon where the toddler was attacked. The body found in the water was reportedly yet to be identified formally, but the police are confident that it was Lane Graves.
Child drowned by the alligator: Orange County Sheriff
Jerry Demings said: "The family was distraught, but also, I believe, somewhat relieved that we were able to find their son with his body intact. But it's likely no question in my mind that the child was drowned by the alligator."
Nebraska couple wouldn't face charges
Sheriff Demings stated after a press conference that it wasn't likely for the kid's father Matt Graves and mother Melissa to face charges. Demings added that as the Nebraska couple didn't commit any crime, which contributed to the alligator snatching their son, they wouldn't face charges. According to fresh reports, an alligator was seen in the lagoon 11 days before the tragedy took place.
Disney installs gator warnings, barriers after mishap
Disney World in Florida has installed alligator warnings and barriers after a child was dragged away by one inside the park. The signs instruct visitors to refrain from feeding animals and to beware of snakes and alligators. Disney World's spokeswoman Jacquee Wahler said they were evaluating "processes and procedures for our entire property" adding that they "working on permanent, long-term solutions at our beaches."
