Disney Unveils Lighthouse To Honor Little Boy Who Died In Tragic Accident
The lighthouse serves as a symbol of a life lost and hope for the future
Most of us remember Lane Graves, an adorable two-year-old boy, who was killed last year by an alligator when his family was visiting Walt Disney World. The boy and his four-year-old sister and his parents were standing in a foot of water on the Seven Seas Lagoon beach outside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa when Lane was attacked and killed by an alligator. Disney is now honoring the boy with a statue in his name, a reminder of a life lost too soon.
The gold and blue lighthouse features two blue stars stands near the Seven Seas Lagoon beach, where Lane Graves was attacked last year. The lighthouse is a place to remember Lane and serves as a symbol for the Lane Thomas Foundation. Matt and Melissa Graves started the foundation after Lane’s death as a way to honor him and to support other families the way they were supported throughout this ordeal.
The foundation will “provide financial support for to families with children in need of organ transplants at Omaha healthcare facilities,” TODAY reports, as well as create a base of support for families in dealing with crisis situations.
“We find comfort that so many people continue to remember our sweet boy, Lane, and we believe the lighthouse stands as a beacon of hope and support for families in the depths of despair,” the family said in a statement to TODAY. “We will continue to honor Lane and preserve his spirit through the Lane Thomas Foundation.”
Lane was playing in the sand with his family in June, 2016 when an alligator darted out of the water and dragged the little boy with it. Authorities said at the time there were no previous reports of alligator attacks at that location. The resort did have “no swimming” signs posted but they didn’t mention anything about alligators in or near the lagoon.
Since his death, Disney has added additional signs warning guests of alligators in all water areas of the resort and built also built a rock wall along the edge of the Seven Seas Lagoon for added safety.
