5 gators caught, 1 likely killer of toddler dragged into Disney resort lagoon
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.
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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."
Sheriff: 2-year-old was playing in water of beach area at #Disney resort before gator attack https://t.co/I5zRPMNEyr https://t.co/erB7Z5q14l
— WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) June 15, 2016