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5 gators caught, 1 likely killer of toddler dragged into Disney resort lagoon

7 years 9 months 1 week ago Wednesday, June 15 2016 Jun 15, 2016 June 15, 2016 4:25 PM June 15, 2016 in News
Source: WBRZ
By: WBRZ/ABC News

ORLANDO, Fla. - A medical examiner now has custody of the body of Lane Graves, the 2-year-old killed by an alligator at Walt Disney World, and an autopsy will be performed.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said "it was a tough message to deliver" to Matt and Melissa Graves, that their child is dead.

The sheriff says five gators were captured and killed during the search, and there's a good chance that one of them is the killer, but a forensic investigation will continue to make sure.

The boy was attacked Tuesday night as he waded in shallow water at the edge of the Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney's Grand Floridian resort.

Demings identified the boy as Lane Graves of Elkhorn, Nebraska.

The search team grew to 50 people Wednesday as trappers and divers searched Disney's network of man-made canals, ponds and lakes. At least five other alligators were caught and cut open before they found the killer.

The president of the Walt Disney World Resort has issued a statement Wednesday afternoon.

George A. Kalogridis says "there are no words to convey the profound sorrow we feel for the family and their unimaginable loss.

"We are devastated and heartbroken by this tragic accident and are doing what we can to help the family during this difficult time. On behalf of everyone at Disney, we offer our deepest sympathies."

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