Child Killed in Alligator Attack at Disney World

Update, 4:10 p.m.: CNN reports that the child’s body has been recovered.

Original post, 10:49 a.m.: A 2-year-old boy is missing after being attacked by an alligator in shallow water at the Grand Floridian Resort on the grounds of Disney World near Orlando, Florida, authorities say. The incident took place at about 9 p.m. Tuesday night, but a search-and-rescue operation has thus far been unable to find either the alligator or the child. From a CNN report quoting Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings:

Witnesses said the family was on the beach, and the boy’s sister was in a playpen about 20 to 30 yards from the water, according to Demings. The toddler was nearby, wading in the water.

There are “No Swimming” signs at the lagoon, and no one else was in the water at the time of the attack besides the child, Demings said.

The Grand Floridian is located near a number of well-known attractions:

Disney has closed all the beaches at Disney World on Wednesday morning as the search continues.