On the heels of the recent shooting in Orlando, Fl a tragic event is being reported at the mega theme park Disney World. Police are searching for a 2-year-old boy after an alligator dragged the toddler into the water. According to Orange County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Rose Silva the child was dragged into the Seven Seas Lagoon about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday evening. Police were seen putting up crime scene investigation tape and searching the waters surrounding the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on the Disney World property. It was movie night and hundreds of guests were on the beach of lagoon.
A family vacationing from Nebraska, that included a mother, father and 3 children who were relaxing and wading in the water at the lakes edge. As the boy was playing in the water an alligator attacked the child. His father wrestled with the alligator and attempted to free his son from its jaws but was unsuccessful. A lifeguard was alerted and the beach area was evacuated and guests were told to go to their room. According to Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings the alligator was between 4-7 feet long. A Disney spokesperson stated “We here at Walt Disney World are devastated at this tragic accident. We are working with law enforcement and doing everything we can.”
According to the Sheriff Demings at least 50 law enforcement personnel are on the scene. There are also 2 marine units on the lake, Florida Fish and Wildlife officials and an alligator trapper are also assisting in the rescue and recovery of the child. As schools across America are being released thousands of families have planned trips to Disney World. This is the height of the season for the theme park and guests are reportedly in shock over the tragic incident The property covers 27,258 acres (42.6 sq mi), and has twenty-seven themed resort hotels, nine non–Disney hotels, four theme parks, two water parks, several golf courses, a camping resort and other entertainment venues.
This story will receive constant updates.
