The parents of the 2-year-old boy who was attacked and killed by an alligator in the waters along the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort in June announced they will not sue the company.
Matt and Melissa Graves released a statement Wednesday about their family’s decision to not pursue a lawsuit in the wake of their son Lane’s death.
“We will forever struggle to comprehend why this happened to our sweet baby, Lane,” they said, according to ABC News. “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. We will solely be focused on the future health of our family and will not be pursuing a lawsuit against Disney.”
Instead, the family plans to keep Lane’s “spirit alive” through the Lane Thomas Foundation.
George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort, provided a statement to People magazine, saying: “In the wake of this tragic accident we continue to provide ongoing support for the family, which includes honoring their request for privacy.”
The Graves, who are from Nebraska, were vacationing at Disney in June when they went in the water of the lagoon near their hotel around 9:30 p.m. and Lane was attacked by the gator. His father attempted to wrestle his son away, but to no avail.