We can’t even imagine what this family is going through.
Melissa and Matt Graves, the parents of the young boy Lane who was tragically killed by an alligator while on vacation in Orlando at Disney World‘s Floridian Resort & Spa, have released a new statement on the tragedy.
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The parents, who published the statement on their Nebraska church’s website, said in full:
“Melissa and I continue to deal with the loss of our beloved boy, Lane, and are overwhelmed with the support and love we have received from family and friends in our community as well as from around the country. We understand the public’s interest, but as we move forward this weekend, we ask for and appreciate the privacy we need to lay our son to rest. Neither Melissa, myself or anyone from our family will be speaking publicly; we simply cannot at this time.”
The family — including their four-year-old daughter, Ella — returned to their home in Elkhorn, Nebraska on Thursday afternoon, and have obviously been in an intense period of grief and mourning since.
The church also released their own statement on the website, too:
“Dear St. Patrick’s Community,
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of a tragic loss in one of our parish families. As many of you have heard from national and local media outlets, there was a child deemed missing at one of the Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, Florida. The family of Matt and Melissa Graves have lost their two year old son, Lane. The Graves are members of St. Patrick’s Parish, and their daughter, Ella, attends our school. Please honor their privacy at this time and keep them in your prayers. The family requests that St. Patrick’s Parish and School not speak with the media.
Christ’s Peace,
St. Patrick’s Parish and School Administration”
So understandable, and still, so shocking.
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Our thoughts continue to be with this family as they grieve the sudden and tragic loss of their son.
RIP.
[Image via Orange County Sheriff’s Office.]
