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Parents Of Toddler Killed By Alligator ‘Overwhelmed’ By Support And Ask For Privacy

By Trisha Faulkner
Published on: 11:43 PST, Jun 18, 2016

The world of two parents from Nebraska shattered to pieces when an alligator at Florida’s Walt Disney World attacked and killed their 2-year-old son. According to The New York Post, the parents of the toddler who was attacked and killed by the alligator have come forward on Saturday to say that they are feeling overwhelmed by the support they are receiving following the death of their toddler.

Matt and Melissa Graves of Omaha, Nebraska, made it clear in a statement that while they appreciate all of the support they are getting from friends, their community, and the entire world, they would like the world to step back and give them some privacy to mourn the loss of their son.

“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,” the family said. “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.”

Following the request for privacy, most aren’t surprised to learn Sara Brady, a spokeswoman who has been speaking on behalf of the family, declined to comment regarding when the funeral of the toddler who was attacked by the alligator has been scheduled for.

According to CBS Philly, the alligator that snatched the toddler from his parents was described as being at least seven-feet long. He was wading in the shallow water at the Disney hotel on Tuesday night when he grabbed the toddler. The remains of the toddler were found after a lengthy search the following day.

After an Orlando medical examiner conducted an autopsy, it was determined the toddler died from drowning and traumatic injuries after being snatched by the alligator.

CBS Philly goes on to report that while the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa had signs that said “no swimming,” there were not any signs to warn the guests about the possibility of alligators. The company announced on Thursday that they would be adding signs to warn guests of the possibility of alligators. However, the company has not yet said when the signs would be added. In the wake of the alligator taking this toddler from his parents, the beaches of the resort remain closed.

Construction workers have begun to put up wooden posts and will connect them with ropes all along the edge of the lagoon where the toddler was snatched by the alligator and dragged into the water.

“Words cannot describe the shock and grief our family is experiencing over the loss of our son,” the Graves said in a statement on Thursday, June 16. “We are devastated and ask for privacy during this extremely difficult time. To all of the local authorities and staff who worked tirelessly these past 24 hours, we express our deepest gratitude.”

Us Weekly reports that the father did make an attempt to wrestle the alligator for his toddler, but he was unable to get him away from the reptile before the child was dragged into the water.

What do you think about the world’s response to this toddler being taken from his parents by this alligator? Do you agree with the parents that the world and community need to find a way to back off and give the family a little privacy to mourn the loss of their toddler without reporters and people with cameras constantly asking them questions?

[Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images]

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