An emotional wake has been held for Lane Graves, the two-year-old boy who was killed by an alligator at Disney World last week.
The hour-long service was open to the public and took place at the Graves’ family place of worship, St Patrick Catholic Church in Elkhorn, Nebraska.
The boy’s parents, Matthew and Melissa, say they have been blown away by the support they’ve received from complete strangers who are grieving along with them.
Matthew said in a statement: “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.
“Neither Melissa, myself or anyone from our family will be speaking publicly; we simply cannot at this time.”
Lane was paddling in the shallow water at Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort last Tuesday when he was snatched by an alligator.
After a 15-hour search, the toddler’s body was found.
Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort
A funeral will be held today at 10am (local time).
The Omaha Foundation are accepting donations on behalf of the family.
Watch: Toddler’s body retrieved after alligator attacked
