The parents of Lane Graves, the 2-year-old boy who was killed after being dragged into the water by an alligator at a Disney resort in June, have decided not to sue Disney.
Matt and Melissa Graves described themselves as “broken” in a statement Wednesday, but nonetheless noted that they do not plan to pursue legal action over their son’s death.
“Melissa and I are broken,” the statement reads. “We will solely be focused on the future health of our family and will not be pursuing a lawsuit against Disney.
The statement added, “We will forever struggle to comprehend why this happened to our sweet baby, Lane. As each day passes, the pain gets worse, but we truly appreciate the outpouring of sympathy and warm sentiments we have received from around the world.”
The family has established a charity, the Lane Thomas Foundation, “to honor his memory.” Donations to the foundation will go toward “various charitable organizations.”
It is unclear whether Disney is involved in or has donated to the foundation. In a statement provided to TheWrap, Walt Disney World Resort president George A. Kalogridis said, “In the wake of this tragic accident we continue to provide ongoing support for the family, which includes honoring their request for privacy.”
Lane Graves was dragged off by an alligator into a lagoon as his Nebraska family vacationed at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. His body was recovered a day later.
The medical examiner later determined that the boy died of drowning and traumatic injuries.
After news off the death, reports surfaced of other guests at Disney resorts encountering alligators. Disney has since decided to install signs at its resort beach locations specifically warning of the presence of alligators and snakes.
In a statement following Graves’ death, 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.”