Funeral services for boy, 2, taken by gator at Disney World
NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - A 2-year-old Nebraska boy killed by an alligator at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, last week is being remembered at private family services.
A vigil service for Lane Graves took place Monday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska. The funeral was scheduled for Tuesday, also at St. Patrick's.
Authorities say an alligator pulled Lane into the water last Tuesday, despite the frantic efforts of his father. Lane's body was recovered Wednesday.
Matt Graves issued the following statement posted to the church's website:
“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. 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.”
An autopsy showed the boy died from drowning and traumatic injuries.
The beach at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is across a lake from the Magic Kingdom. It had "no swimming" signs but no warning about alligators. The company added alligator warning signs on Friday.
With the Associated Press