The parents of Lane Graves, the two-year-old boy who was killed by an alligator at Disney World in Orlando, Florida in June, have revealed that they won't file a lawsuit against Disney. Matt Graves and his wife Melissa, however, said that they are still struggling with the sudden loss of their son.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 20, Matt said he and his wife "are broken" over Lane's death. But they will solely focus on "the future health" of their family instead of filing a legal action against Disney, People reported.
Keeping Lane's Spirit Alive
The Graves couple from Nebraska said "the pain gets worse" every day and that they will "forever struggle to comprehend" why the tragedy happened to their young son. Nevertheless, the two are grateful for the support, sympathy, and sentiments they have received from people all over the world.
Despite their struggle, the Graves couple aims to keep Lane's spirit alive through the Lane Thomas Foundation. As per People's report, the two added, "It is our hope that through the foundation we will be able to share with others the unimaginable love Lane etched in our hearts. For now, we continue to ask for privacy as we focus on our family."
George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said in a statement released to People that they will continue giving support to the Graves family, and that includes honoring the Graves couple's wish for privacy during this trying time. This statement echoes their initial statement, where Disney extended their condolences and offered any assistance that the Graves family might need.
Details Of The Case
Lane was wading along the Seven Seas Lagoon's edge at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on Tuesday, June 14 when he was snatched by an alligator. His intact body was recovered by authorities after a 16-hour search, lying six feet underwater about 15 yards from the shore, CNN reported.
Lane's father unsuccessfully tried to fight off the alligator and suffered lacerations. Earlier this month, Capt. Tom Wellons of the Reedy Creek Fire Department revealed that Matt Graves fought a second alligator while he was trying to free Lane from the jaws of the first beast, The Orlando Sentinel reported.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said they are "confident" that they killed the alligator responsible for Lane's death via euthanasia, Fox News reported. Trappers also said they "humanely removed" six alligators from the area.
Disney put up fences around the lake and other lakefront resorts three days after the tragedy. They also erected signs warning visitors of alligators and snakes in the area.
