Alligator Drags Toddler Into Lagoon at Disney Resort in Orlando
Deputies were searching early Wednesday morning for a toddler who was attacked by an alligator and dragged underwater near Disney World in Orlando.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the 2 year-old boy was playing in the Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa when he was attacked by the reptile, believed to be between 4 and 7 feet long. The child’s father rushed into the shallow water to wrestle the boy from the alligator but was unsuccessful.
Officials quickly responded to the scene and taped off the area.
The victim’s family had traveled to Disney World on vacation from Nebraska, Sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters outside the resort. The boy’s mother had also been nearby when the attack occurred around 9:15 p.m. PT Tuesday night.
Nearly 50 rescuers, including Wildlife Fish and Game officials, were still searching for the little boy as of 2:00 a.m. ET.
A visibly shaken spokesman for the Walt Disney Company also addressed the media: “Everyone here at the Walt Disney World Resort is devastated by this tragic accident,” she said.
The upscale resort is one of three hotels located near the monorail line near the Magic Kingdom Park.
Officials are also searching the perimeter of the water with flashlights where toddler was taken by #gator #Disney pic.twitter.com/Jh22S1kzhU
— Christal Hayes (@Journo_Christal) June 15, 2016
One hotel guest told the Orlando Sentinel that he and his family were playing near the beach when the attack took place.
“I’m just here to say a prayer,” the guest said. “I can’t imagine what those parents are going through. It’s been one tough week in Orlando.”
The man-made Seven Seas Lagoon is surrounded by a beach and several outdoor pools and bars.
A number of families were outside enjoying ‘Movie Night’ at the resort during the brutal encounter.
“We’re going to hope for the best,” Demings told reporters, “but based upon my law enforcement experience we know we have some challenges ahead of us.”
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