This just makes an already sad story even more upsetting.
It’s been over two months since 2-year-old Lane Graves was killed by an alligator while vacationing at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and yet we’re still learning new details about the tragic accident.
The autopsy for the Nebraskan toddler was released late last week, and, unfortunately, it seems as though Disney was even more at fault than we originally thought!
Related: Family Has Decided NOT To Sue Disney World
That’s because in addition to failing to providing sufficient signage to alert guests about the reptiles, according to the report, some Grand Floridian Resort cast members were warned about the alligator by other visitors just 45 MINUTES before Lane was dragged under water.
Apparently, Shawna Giacomini of North Carolina and her two daughters first noticed the wild animal five feet away from shore at around 8:15 p.m. EST. While they allegedly told the hotel’s movie coordinator about the alligator, when they returned to the beach at 9 p.m. EST… Lane was already gone.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also confirmed that the child’s cause of death was indeed cranio-cervical trauma as well as drowning, but hopefully the Lanes’ loss can help prevent future deaths.
Please stay safe while enjoying your Summer breaks, everyone!
Rest in peace, Lane.
[Image via Grand Floridian Resort and Orange County Sheriff’s Office.]