Disney Likely to Offer Monetary Damage, Settlement: Lane Graves' Cause of Death Revealed in Autopsy
Graves Family Grateful With Overwhelming Love and Support But Asked For Privacy
The recent alligator attack in Walt Disney Resort involving Lane Grave continues. The Medical Examiner's office has released the cause of death of the little boy, with Disney likely to offer money as a settlement.
Graves' family from Nebraska went to Orlando's Walt Disney Resort for a vacation on Tuesday, June 14. Two-year-old Lane Grave was playing near the shallows of Seven Seas Lagoon when an alligator grabbed him and pulled him under the water.
His father, Matt Graves, quickly rushed to try and save him. He dove into the lagoon with some witnesses to fend off the alligator. He suffered from lacerations on his hands but was unable to rescue the boy. Lifeguards were then immediately summoned and dispatched in the area for a night-long search. After 16 hours of search-and-rescue operations, the boy's body was found no more than 15 yards away from the area.
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Recently Conducted Autopsy Report
According to a report released by the Medical Examiner's Office, the autopsy revealed that the boy died as a result of drowing and traumatic injuries.
Matt Morgan, an Orlando attorney said, "The Walt Disney Corporation has a duty to warn their hotel guests of any dangers that they either know about or should know about".
"If Disney had knowledge that there were alligators in the lagoon and did not take steps to inform their guests of such dangers, then they could be liable," he added
In an interview by PEOPLE, a Disney spokeperson confirmed that there were signs that read "No Swimming" posted in the area but there's no signage about alligator warnings.
According to Morgan, a case against Disney is in balance regarding their knowledge of the alligator's existence in the lagoon and the lack of necessary measures to warn their guests.
Graves Family Grateful for the Public's Overwhelming Support
In the recent statement released by the Graves family, Matt said: "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." he added.
In their previous statement released on June 16, Mr and Mrs Graves wrote: "Words cannot describe the shock and grief our family is experiencing over the loss of our son. We are devastated and ask for privacy during this extremely difficult time. To all of the local authorities and staff who worked tirelessly these past 24 hours, we express our deepest gratitude."
Lane Grave's funeral will be held in St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Elkhorn, Nebraska on June 19.
