More Florida Danger: Alligator Drags Toddler Into Lagoon At Disney Hotel
June 15 2016, Published 1:38 p.m. ET
An overnight search for a two-year-old boy who was dragged into Walt Disney World's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa lagoon in Bay Lake, Florida proved to be unsuccessful thus far, local authorities confirmed Wednesday morning.
As reported, the boy, whose identity has not been revealed, was pulled into the Seven Seas Lagoon around 9:16 p.m., Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said in a press conference in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
According to Demings, the Nebraska family of five was sitting on the sand at the lagoon, "just simply relaxing out in the area and wading in the water along the lake's edge at the time the alligator attacked the child."
Now, more than 50 officers are on the search for the toddler using a helicopter and search boats.
An alligator trap has also been set near the scene.
In the meantime, a Disney spokesperson told CNN: "Out of abundance of caution, Disney has closed all its beaches in the WDW resort."
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"The father entered the water and tried to grab his son from the alligator but was unsuccessful," Demings also shared, adding that he suffered minor scratches on his hands. The boy's mother alerted a nearby lifeguard, who also tried to grab the boy.
Police said they remain optimistic as the search continues.
