The Nebraska couple whose 2-year-old son was killed by an alligator at a Walt Disney World resort announced Wednesday that they’ve welcomed a new child to their family.
Matt and Melissa Graves announced the arrival of their new baby boy, whose middle name honors his late brother, through a press release obtained by the “Today” show.
“We are happy to announce the birth of our son, Christian Lane Graves,” the family’s statement reportedly reads.
“Although we know the pain of losing Lane will never go away, we feel God has blessed our family with this precious miracle of life.”
The parents, who also have a daughter named Ella, spoke of how Lane’s spirit will still play a role in their children’s lives.
“We know Ella and Christian have their brother, Lane, watching over them as their guardian angel,” the family statement read.
The couple thanked those who have offered “love and support,” and asked that their privacy “continue to be honored.”
Lane was killed on June 14, 2016, after being pulled underwater by an alligator as he played near the shore of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The Graves family was vacationing when the unthinkable tragedy occurred, and the boy’s death was ruled an accident.
The child’s passing prompted his parents to start “The Lane Thomas Foundation,” an organization that “is dedicated to supporting families of children needing life-saving organ transplants.”
The foundation aids families with “non-medical research,” while “promoting public awareness, and sponsoring clinical research,” according to its Facebook page.
In June, Matt and Melissa Graves took to the page to pay tribute to Lane on the second anniversary of his death.
“LT, we love you up to heaven and down to the grass. Hug, kiss, ugga mugga.”
[Feature photo: Melissa and Matt Graves, Youtube/Nebraska Medicine]