The official cause of death of the toddler killed by an alligator at Disney World has been released.
Dr. Sara Zydowicz, Associate Medical Examiner with the District Nine Medical Examiner's Office, says the cause of death of Lane T. Graves was the result of drowning and traumatic injuries.
Disney beaches remained closed Thursday after the child's death. The company said it has decided to add alligator warning signs, which it previously did not have around park waters.
Disney released this statement Thursday afternoon:
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.
Currently there are signs around the lake that borders several Disney resorts that say "no swimming."
A statement from the parent of Lane Graves, Matt & Melissa Graves, was released Thursday afternoon:
"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."
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continues to remove alligators out of the lake to find out which one killed the young boy.
As of Thursday afternoon, the FWC has euthanized six alligators and continues to search for more.
Through forensic testing, officers are working to make sure the one who killed Lane has been removed.
Kissimmee resident, Gilberto Gama, said the new warning signs are overdue.
"This is definitely an alert for Disney to do something about it. This is a terrible, terrible accident," he said.
He recently attended a movie night at a Disney resort just like Lane's family.
He said the movie was played along the same lake.
The father of three said what happened to Lane could've happened to his own child.
"My child ran off real quickly and wet his feet in the pond. It does say "No swimming" but nobody's swimming in the water. They wet their feet, they take them out, you kind of think there could be a fish that could bite you but you wouldn't imagine an alligator," Gilberto said.
