The father of toddler Lane Graves tells of the horror he experienced as he tried to save his son from the jaws of an alligator.
The father of a toddler killed by an alligator at Disney World in Florida told rescue officials two alligators were involved in the attack, it has emerged.
Matt Graves tried to save his son Lane who was pulled into the water by an alligator on 16 June, according to an email sent by Reedy Creek Fire Department Captain Tom Wellons.
The emails were released after a public records request from the Orlando Sentinel.
Mr Graves said that while he tried to reach his two-year-old son to free him from the jaws of the reptile, he was attacked by a second alligator.
Cpt Wellons said Mr Graves initially refused to leave the area as rescuers searched for Lane even though the father needed stitches and antibiotics from the second alligator's bite marks.
Cpt Wellons said he eventually persuaded Mr Graves to get medical treatment, promising he could return afterwards.
Lane's body was found near the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon at the resort, six feet under water.
A post-mortem examination revealed the boy died from drowning and traumatic injuries.
Cpt Wellons described how much Mr Graves and his wife cared for Lane, and were shocked by his death.
"This incredibly sweet couple insisted on showing us pictures of their happy son. (The) mom kept referring to him as her 'happy boy,'" Cpt Wellons wrote in the emails.
In total, five alligators were killed during the 16-hour search for Lane.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials have said they're "confident" they caught the alligator that killed Lane.
Following the attack, Walt Disney World closed all beaches in its resort area and installed signs warnings visitors of alligators and snakes at the beaches.
Prior to the attack, signs forbade swimming in the water but did not warn of alligators.
Fishing at Disney World has now been limited to excursions and hotel beaches are now being staffed by employees and closed at night.
0 comments: