Family won’t sue Disney after alligator attack

The lagoon near the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Picture: John Taggart

The lagoon near the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Picture: John Taggart

Published Jul 21, 2016

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Florida - The family of a toddler killed by an alligator at a Walt Disney World lake in Florida said Wednesday that they will not sue the entertainment giant.

Two year-old Lane Graves of Elkhorn, Nebraska was on vacation with his family and playing at the lakeside beach at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa when an alligator dragged him into the lake on the night of June 14.

There was a no swimming sign at the lake - located across from the Magic Kingdom amusement park - but no signs warning about alligators.

Soon after the attack, Disney put up signs at the lake warning of snakes and alligators.

The boy's parents are “broken” over the child's death, and “will forever struggle to comprehend why this happened to our sweet baby, Lane,” the Graves family said in a statement.

“As each day passes, the pain gets worse, but we truly appreciate the outpouring of sympathy and warm sentiments we have received from around the world.”

The family opened a non-profit in the boy's name, and said they will be focused on the foundation and the family's health, “and will not be pursuing a lawsuit against Disney.”

The boy's father, Matt Graves, fought the alligator when his son was snatched, but the animal and child disappeared underwater.

Divers found the boy's lifeless body the following day in murky water close to where he was taken.

Alligators are common in large bodies of fresh water across Florida, but they rarely attack humans.

The Grand Floridian is part of the massive Disney resort complex that includes several theme parks, water parks, hotels and golf courses.

AFP

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