As Lane Graves’ parents continue to mourn the tragic death of their two-year-old son, they have released a new statement asking the public for privacy they need “to lay our son to rest.”
“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 statement, posted on their church’s website, reads. “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.”
The statement adds, “Neither Melissa, myself or anyone from our family will be speaking publicly; we simply cannot at this time.”
Lane Graves was dragged off by an alligator into a lagoon as the Nebraska family vacationed at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on Tuesday. His body was recovered a day later.
The medical examiner later determined that the boy died of drowning and traumatic injuries.
Disney closed off the beaches at its resort in response to the attack. On Wednesday, Disney CEO Bob Iger issued a statement on the attack, saying, “As a parent and a grandparent, my heart goes out to the Graves family during this time of devastating loss. My thoughts and prayers are with them, and I know everyone at Disney joins me in offering our deepest sympathies.”
Disney has since decided to install signs at its resort beach locations specifically warning of the presence of alligators and snakes.
In a statement released Thursday, Lane Graves’ parents, Matt and Melissa Graves, said that they were “devastated” by their son’s death.
“Words cannot describe the shock and grief our family is experiencing over the loss of our son,” the couple said, according to ABC News. “We are devastated and ask for privacy during this extremely difficult time.”