(Getty)
2-year-old Lane Graves was killed by an alligator at a Disney Resort June 14. In the wake of the tragedy, people are asking what risk alligators really pose. There have been 16 fatal gator attacks in Florida since 1997. You can read about the victims below:
June 14, 2016: Lane Graves, Lake Buena Vista
Lane Graves (Orange County Sheriff’s Office)
An alligator attacked and dragged 2-year-old Lane Graves from the water’s edge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The toddler, from Nebraska, was vacationing with his parents and sister when the attack happened. His body was recovered fully intact from the Seven Seas Lagoon. Five alligators were killed and authorities are still determining if one of them is the killer.
Matt & Melissa Graves: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
Matt and Melissa Graves have been identified as the parents of a 2-year-old boy who was attacked and killed by a gator near a Disney World resort in Orlando.
Click here to read moreNov. 23, 2015: Matthew Riggins, Barefoot Bay
Matthew Riggins (Brevard County Sheriff’s Department)
22-year-old Matthew Riggins was killed by an 11-foot-long alligator while on the run from police, according to authorities. The accused burglar was hiding in a Barefoot Bay pond when the attack happened. His body was found 10 days later with evidence of a gator attack.
Oct. 19, 2015: James Okkerse, Orange City
James Okkerse (Facebook)
The body of 62-year-old James Okkerse was found at the bottom of a channel in Blue Spring State Park. The day before the fatality, there were two sightings of the 12-foot alligator that killed him. Okkerse’s friend, Russell Anen, told The Orlando Sentinel, “There should be more information put out there for keeping the park in control rather than things getting out of hand,” he said. “We’re not foolish people. We should have been cautioned, and we probably would have asked for the size of the alligator…”
The State Park’s website states:
Swimming is always fun at Blue Springs! The 72°F water is the same temperature year-round and provides a refreshing break in the hot weather. You can bring or rent a tube and float in the spring. Snorkeling is permitted, but not scuba diving.
Alligator Dragged Boy Into Water at Disney Resort: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
An alligator attacked and dragged a 2-year-old child from Disney's Grand Floridian Hotel in Orlando, Florida.
Click here to read moreNov. 8, 2007: Justo Antonio Padron, Miami
