Heartbreaking news...a big reminder to be aware of wildlife on property

[fairytalelover]

can alligators jump out of the water? How far can they jump?

 

[OhMari]

They found the child.

 

[thedonduck]

Reports from the lifeguard is that this baby was more like 10ft in the water, not right at the shore. It is super shallow, but he wasn't right by the edge.

The body has been found, which hopefully in this case will help the family have some closure.

 

[thedonduck]

They can jump and climb quite well, that is why when people suggests nets, etc all I can think is they have no idea what an alligator is capable of

can alligators jump out of the water? How far can they jump?

 

[snoopboop]

Snoop, they will sue and they will get a large settlement. Disney does not want a long and protracted lawsuit. At the same time Disney will lose if it went to a trial. Just on the pure hearsay on here, i'm quite convinced that the family would be able to find quite a few CM who knew of the presence of alligators on property and in the lake. With the welcoming nature of the beach and the lack of any signage that showcases any danger, Disney is in a bad spot. An expert on animal behavior would seal the deal.

I'm not a lawyer, but I have a difficult time believing that Disney's legal team hasn't thoroughly vetted whether the posted signs are sufficient. I'm not convinced that Disney would lose in a trial on this one, but I agree with your statement that they will likely settle before that ever happens.

 

[sabrecmc]

10 feet from the shore? In that water? That...would change my view of things. Still a terrible, terrible situation.

 

[debmoore]

My husband and I have walked the path between Poly and GH dozens of times very late at night...inches from the lake...we are both handicapped and could never outrun a gator...castmembers who have seen us out at night never even once hinted there were gators...a sign should be there warning about exactly what risks are there...I cannot imagine how someone at WDW hasn't foreseen something like this...it is a tragedy.

 

[Duckiedee]

Understood. But for those folks, I'd pose the question why would Disney prohibit swimming but NOT wading? I can't think of an instance where entering the water for wading purposes would be ok, but not swimming purposes.

E. Coli here.

 

[njmousefest]

10 feet from the shore? In that water? That...would change my view of things. Still a terrible, terrible situation.

I would find it hard to believe that a 2 y.o. would go 10 feet from the shore, let alone a few steps in, without holding mom's or dad's hand.

 

[Guyton dis lover]

I'm not a lawyer, but I have a difficult time believing that Disney's legal team hasn't thoroughly vetted whether the posted signs are sufficient. I'm not convinced that Disney would lose in a trial on this one, but I agree with your statement that they will likely settle before that ever happens.

Act of God.

 

[Hank Scorpio]

Body recovered intact, per press conference.

 

[Gillyrose779]

I would find it hard to believe that a 2 y.o. would go 10 feet from the shore, let alone a few steps in, without holding mom's or dad's hand.

10 feet just seems too far- the depth would have to be much too deep for a 2 year old.

 

[Guyton dis lover]

Gator are fast. Very sad out come. pray for the Family

 

[Lehuaann]

He was found in the immediate area of where he was last seen. Drowned, but fully intact.

 

[mousefan73]

They found the child.

Thank God.. Not that it changes anything. This event has affected me all day. This is a story that one dreams ( nightmares ) about as a parent being helpless in trying to save your child from of all things an alligator. Only it's real. I would need to be under some form of supervised medical sedation.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

News conference on our local news (WFTV) has reported they found the body of the little boy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

 

[StanH]

So sad, but ultimately good for the family

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

God, I find it somehow even sadder that in the end, this child just drowned.

 

[anniemae]

weeping.....

 

[mickeymom629]

He was found in the immediate area of where he was last seen. Drowned, but fully intact.

It sounds like the gator just let him go... so heartbreaking.