Police have released their final report on the death of 2-year-old Lane Graves, who was killed by an alligator at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
He would have celebrated his third birthday on September 3.
The report recounts the desperate attempt by the boy’s father, Matt Graves, to save his son, who was snatched by the gator as the pair built sand castles on the beach.
When the toddler went to scoop up some wet sand for his castle, the alligator made its move, grabbing the boy’s hand and pulling him into the water.
“I saw the father jump in after the gator and he rolled around in the water,” 16-year-old Peter Courakos told NBC News.
According to TODAY, another bystander described Mr. Graves running out of the water “with blood all over the right side of his face and right hand.”
When the father was unable to rescue his son, he began yelling franticly, “Please come help my son a gator got him.”
Lane’s body was later found after a 16-hour search.
Florida wildlife officials caught and killed six alligators following the attack and say that while “it is very likely” they got the one that killed Lane, they can’t be certain.
In response to the tragedy, Disney erected a stone wall around the lagoon and posted signs warning of the danger.
However, the question regarding whether little Lane’s death could have been prevented still remains, though his family announced in July that they would not sue Disney.
The new report cites two people who reported alligator sightings to Disney employees, but it is unclear what actions, if any, the employees took to ensure guests of the resort were safe.
As a parent, it is unimaginable to live with the thought that your child might still be alive if not for the laziness of neglectful workers.
Please continue to keep the Graves family in your prayers as Lane’s birthday nears. This will undoubtedly be a very difficult time for them.
