The search for Lane Graves has come to an end. The Graves, a Nebraska family, were enjoying their time at the Walt Disney resort in Orlando on Tuesday (June 14.) Around 9:30 p.m., the 2-year-old was dragged into the lagoon by an alligator as he was wading in the water.
The Huffington Post reports five alligators were captured in the search for the missing child whose body authorities located around 1:45pm on Wednesday (June 15). “There’s no reason for us to believe that the body that was recovered is not that of Lane Graves,” Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings announced at a press conference. “There’s likely no question in my mind that the child was drowned by the alligator.”
Demings and a Catholic priest delivered the unfortunate news to Lane’s parents, Matthew and Melissa Graves.
@cnn matthew and melissa graves #ripLANE pic.twitter.com/rgOBgb3Bea
— ??ᕼᗩᒪᒪᗰOᑎITOᖇ ?? be kind to one another (@OHEMMEFFGE) June 15, 2016
“Of course, the family was distraught but also I believe somewhat relieved that they were able to find their son with his body intact,” Demings added.
Nick Wiley, executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, believes there’s a good chance they captured the alligator responsible for Lane’s death, but plans to confirm through forensics procedures. “There are no words to convey the profound sorrow we feel for the family and their unimaginable loss,” George A. Kalogridis, President of Walt Disney World Resort, said in a statement via WPVI-TV. “We are devastated and heartbroken by this tragic accident and are doing what we can to help the family during this difficult time. On behalf of everyone at Disney, we offer our deepest sympathies.”
Near the pond, a “no swimming” sign was reportedly present. Lane’s father Matthew Graves suffered scratches on his hands while attempting to save his son from the alligator.