Search Continues for Toddler Snatched by Alligator at Disney

A parent’s worst nightmare came true Tuesday night when an alligator attacked and dragged a 2-year-old boy into the water at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. He is still missing as of Wednesday morning.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said the boy’s family of five was relaxing on the shoreline of the resort when the gator snatched the boy.

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“The father entered the water and tried to pry the child from the gator, but was unsuccessful. He had scratches on his hands after the ordeal,” reports the Orlando Sentinel. The parents then alerted a nearby lifeguard, and an official report was filed at 9:16 p.m. Tuesday.

The search has continued through the night. The alligator is estimated to be between four and seven feet long.

Deputies with Florida Fish & Wildlife are searching via water and air. Jeff Williamson, a representative of the organization conducting the search and rescue operation, said the child has not yet been located.

“Prepare for the worst, hope for the best,” says Williamson.

“There are no signs warning of gators in the area, but there are notices posted against swimming in the man-made lake,” according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Vice President of Walt Disney World Resort Jacquee Wahler says he is “devastated by this tragic event … We are helping the family and doing everything we can to assist law enforcement.”

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It has undoubtedly been a tough week for the city of Orlando. For the latest updates on how the presidential candidates reacted to the nightclub terror attack there, click here.