Parents of 2yo boy taken by an alligator at Disney World release new statement.

The parents of a 2-year-old boy who was taken by an alligator at Orlando’s Disney World during the week have released a statement regarding their devastation at the death of their son.

Melissa and Matt Graves, who are from Nebraska but were on vacation with their children at the time of the tragedy have released a statement via their church’s website.

In the statement, Matt Graves pleaded for privacy in dealing with, and grieving, the loss of their little boy Lane.

“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 were staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, which is one of three located on the edge of the Seven Seas Lagoon where the little boy was taken.

It is believed the child was taken by the alligator at around 9.30pm on Tuesday night Orlando time while wading in the shallows of the lagoon. Despite scouring the water hours after he went missing, it took an agonising 18 hours for the 2-year-old’s body to be recovered by emergency services.

At the time of the attack, Orange County sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters that the boy’s father had tried in vain to save his son’s life by wrestling the boy from the creature’s jaws.

“There is a sandy beach area and the family was out simply relaxing… and in the water along the lake’s edge at the time the alligator attacked the child,” Demings said.

“The father entered the water and tried to grab the child and was not successful in doing so. At some point I am told the mother may also have entered the water.

“The parents diligently tried to get the child.”

According to PEOPLE, there were many “no swimming” signs littered around the lagoon area where the incident occurred, but there were no warnings to visitors about the presence of alligators.

*Feature image via Orange County Sheriff’s office.