Many of us can remember hearing the news five years ago on June 14, 2016 that a 2-year-old old boy had been attacked and killed by an alligator on the beach of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World Resort.
Lane was playing near the Seven Seas Lagoon water at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort when an alligator emerged and pulled him into the water. Lane’s body was found the next day. After the incident, Disney has been adamant about having state wildlife remove gators. Barriers were also set in place, along with signs warning of possible alligators around all beaches and waterways throughout the Walt Disney World property.
As reported by OrlandoSentinel: “About 250 alligators have been removed from Disney properties since an alligator killed 2-year-old Lane Thomas Graves from the shores of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa five years ago. Disney management and staff have worked directly with trappers contracted through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to remove them. Disney has also installed a boulder wall and reptile warning signs at the resort, as well as reinforced training among Disney staff.”
A beautiful Lighthouse Statue to honor the child, Lane Graves, still stands tall at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
The Graves family started the Lane Thomas Foundation that supports families of children seeking an organ donation. To learn more about the Lane Thomas Foundation, click here.
