Parents of 2-year-old, Lane Graves, who was snatched and killed by an alligator at the Disney World Resort on 14 June, say they will not press charges against the giant company.
The parents spoke of the pain brought upon them and appreciate the sympathy they have received.
“We will forever struggle to comprehend why this happened to our sweet baby, Lane,” said Matt and Melissa Graves.
They added that they would concentrate only on the future health of their family and not file a suit against Disney. The Graves opened a foundation in their son’s honor. The joint statement the parents made did not mention if the matter had been settled outside of court between them and Disney representatives.
Both President of the Walt Disney World Resort, George Kalogridis, and Disney Chairperson and CEO, Robert A. Iger gave statements reaching out to the family and offering their condolences. Kalogridis reported that he and the giant company, which also owns ABC, ESPN, and Marvel Entertainment, would continue to provide the family with support after their tragic loss; however he failed to specify what exactly the support may entail. He stated that he would respect the family’s wish for privacy.
Three days after the child’s body was found, Disney announced it would install new barriers and signs on the beaches of its Disney World Resorts cautioning against the alligators and snakes in the area. This imperative information that long should have been of public knowledge was not indicated on any of the previous signs which only prohibited swimming.
The funeral for the toddler was held in Nebraska on 21 June at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in the Omaha neighborhood of Elkhorn.
Disney removes alligator characters from theme park
Two weeks after Lane Graves was killed by an alligator, Disney World has silently removed its alligator characters from the Orlando theme park along with reptile-related jokes from the rides. One of the alligator characters removed was Louis from the 2009 film “The Princess and the Frog”, who was stationed at the Friendship Fairy Castle Show. Another was the trumpet playing alligator from Louisiana, who was one of the acts of the summer show, whom according to a report by anonymous Disney staff member to New York Daily News, was intended to add a little flavor of New Orleans jazz.
In a country where many are so prone to file lawsuits at the slightest occurrence or upon failure to impart important information, it is a great mystery as to why the family has chosen not to sue Disney. Because the Disney World Resort is located in an area that is home to snakes, unclear whether poisonous or not, and alligators, the perpetrator of the toddler’s murder, the previous lack of signs warning resort-goers of such dangers is an example of serious negligence. Also, Disney is known to be a paradise for children and therefore should have been more efficient in securing their lives.
According to a report on the incident published by the New York Daily News, the network hits the family and Disney had reached a cash settlement, however with the family having asked for privacy, such allegations cannot and may never be confirmed.
Source: ABC News