The cause of death was released Thursday for Lane Graves, a toddler who was killed by an alligator while playing at a Disney resort lagoon earlier this week.
According to the Medical Examiner’s Office, an autopsy revealed that Graves died as a result of drowning and traumatic injuries.
At least six alligators have been pulled from Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, but officials have not said if the animal responsible for killing the toddler was among them.
Disney is now examining beach signs at its resorts to see if there is a way improve safety and alligator awareness.
“All of our beaches are currently closed, and we are conducting a swift and thorough review of all of our processes and protocols. This includes the number, placement and wording of our signage and warnings,” said Jacquee Wahler, Vice President of Walt Disney World Resort.
Lane Graves, 2, and his family were lounging by the lagoon Tuesday night and the toddler was playing in the shallow water, officials said.
In a flash, the boy was attacked by an alligator and despite his father jumping in the water in an attempt to wrench the child away from the animal, it was able pull Graves under the water.
His body was found Wednesday after a lengthy search.
“This is a tough situation,” Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said Wednesday. “Disney is doing everything they can to make the family comfortable during this ordeal."
There are “no swimming” signs at the lagoon, but no warnings that indicate alligators could be present.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission works closely with Disney to remove nuisance alligators when they are sighted, spokesman Nick Wiley said.
The search for the alligator responsible for Graves’ death will not end until the animal is found, Wiley said.
“We are going to make certain that we have the alligator that was involved, and that we remove it from the lake,” he said.
Charges are unlikely to be filed against the parents, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
The parents released a statement: "Words cannot describe the shock and grief our family is experiencing over the loss of our son. We are devastated and ask for privacy during this extremely difficult time. To all of the local authorities and staff who worked tirelessly these past 24 hours, we express our deepest gratitude."
A GoFundMe account has been set up for the boy's family.
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