Funeral Held for 2-Year-Old Boy Killed by Alligator at Disney World Resort

Lane Graves was laid to rest in his hometown of Elkhorn, Nebraska

Photo: Orange County Sheriff's Office

A funeral is being held Tuesday for Lane Graves, the 2-year-old boy who was pulled into a lake and killed by an alligator at Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa last week.

Following Monday’s wake, the private 11 a.m. funeral mass is being held at St. Patrick s Catholic Church in Elkhorn, Nebraska, the Graves’ place of worship. Lane will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery immediately following the ceremony, according to the church’s website.

No cameras or cell phones are allowed at the service out of respect to the family.

Lane’s parents, Matthew and Melissa Graves, say they are overwhelmed by the support they’ve received from around the country since the tragic loss of their son.

“Melissa and I continue to deal with the loss of our beloved boy, Lane, and are overwhelmed with support and love we have received from family and friends in our community as well as from around the country,” the family said in a statement.

“Neither Melissa, myself or anyone from our family will be speaking publicly; we simply cannot at this time,” the statement continued.

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The grieving parents have also set up a memorial fund in their son’s honor.

“After the tragic loss of our beloved 2-year-old son, Lane Thomas, we have created the Lane Thomas Foundation to honor his memory,” they said in a statement on the foundation’s site. “Losing Lane has broken our hearts in the worst possible way. While there is no way to mend our hearts, we can do good work in his honor.”

“If you would like to honor Lane, donations are being accepted on behalf of the Lane Thomas Foundation at the Omaha Community Foundation. We will use these funds to make direct donations to various charitable organizations. One hundred percent of all donations will be received by the charitable cause. We thank you for helping us create a lasting legacy for our son.”

Lane was playing in a foot of water in a lagoon near the Floridian Resort & Spa on Tuesday when the alligator attacked him, according to a witness. The toddler’s father attempted to fight off the gator, suffering lacerations on his hand as a result, but could not save his son, according to the Associated Press.

His body was discovered by the Orange County Sheriff dive team on Wednesday.

The parents, along with 4-year-old daughter Ella, returned home to Elkhorn on Thursday.

Neighbors had decorated their home with blue and white balloons and tied ribbons around their mailbox.

The Omaha Community Foundation is accepting donations on behalf of the Graves family.