Old Killed by Alligator at Walt Disney World Carry On His Legacy
WDW News Today • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The family of Lane Thomas Graves, a 2-year-old boy killed by an alligator at Walt Disney World in 2016, continues to honor his memory through The Lane Thomas Foundation, which supports families of children needing life-saving transplants.
- On June 14, 2026, Lane’s parents will release a video documenting his life and the foundation’s impact, marking the tenth anniversary of the tragedy.
- Following the incident, Disney improved safety measures by fencing off resort beaches and adding warning signs about alligators and snakes at bodies of water.
- In 2017, Disney installed a lighthouse memorial at the Grand Floridian Resort, symbolizing Lane’s enduring light and serving as a beacon of hope for families in crisis.
- Since Lane’s death, over 400 alligators have been removed from Walt Disney World waters, a significant increase from the previous annual average of 23 alligators removed before 2016.