Family of 2-Year-Old Killed in Alligator Attack Releases a Second Statement

Days after first speaking out, the Graves family is releasing an emotional new statement after their son Lane was killed by an alligator at a Walt Disney World resort.

“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,” Matt and Melissa Graves wrote in a statement released to KETV News.

“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.”

The statement comes two days after their first statement on June 16, where they wrote, “Words cannot describe the shock and grief our family is experiencing over the loss of our son. 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.”

Both parents attempted to retrieve Lane back from the reptile but were unsuccessful. The resort has since added warning signs and temporary fences around the area until a permanent solution can be made.

The Graves family’s parish, the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Elkhorn, Nebraska, will hold a mass service in memory of Lane for the local community on Sunday, June 19, Us Weekly reports.

Story compiled by Olivia Rowe of Womanista.