Parents of Boy Killed by Gator Break Their Silence: 'Words Cannot Describe the Shock and Grief'

The parents of the 2-year-old boy killed by an alligator at a Disney World resort earlier this week have broken their silence.

Read: Another Boy Photographed Playing in the Same Spot as Lane Graves 30 Minutes Prior to Alligator Attack

Matt and Melissa Graves released a statement Thursday that read: “Words cannot describe the shock and grief our family is experiencing over the loss of our son. We are devastated and ask for privacy during this extremely difficult time.

"To all of the local authorities and staff who worked tirelessly these past 24 hours, we express our deepest gratitude.”

Lane Graves’ body was found intact Wednesday at the bottom of the 7 Seas Lagoon just 15 yards from where he was snatched while playing in ankle deep water at the Grand Floridian resort.

The autopsy report ruled that the boy died from "drowning" and "traumatic injuries.”

Read: 'Tough as Nails' Father Did All He Could to Save Son From Alligator: Family Friend

The beaches at Disney World remain closed and the company says they are "conducting a swift and thorough review of all of our processes and protocols. This includes the number, placement and wording of our signage and warnings."

The Graves family, who live outside Omaha, Nebraska, also have a 4-year-old daughter.

Watch: After Disney Alligator Attack, Survivors Talk Encounters With the Reptiles: 'He's Gone With My Arm'