Imagine the excitement of a family vacation to the sunny beaches of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida. Playing on the beach, building sandcastles, and digging in the sand are some of the simple joys that children love. But for the Mattingly family from Indiana, this innocent activity ended in tragedy.
Sloan Mattingly, 7, and her brother Maddox, 9, were enjoying their time on the beach when they started digging a large sand hole near their parents. Suddenly, the sand hole collapsed, burying both children alive.
People who witnessed the horrifying incident immediately called for help, and multiple emergency agencies arrived at the scene. They used support boards to prevent further collapse and tirelessly dug through the sand to rescue Sloan and Maddox. However, despite their efforts, Sloan tragically lost her life.
Maddox, on the other hand, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The progress of his recovery is currently unknown, leaving the family and loved ones in a state of anxiety.
Therese and Jason Mattingly, the parents of Sloan and Maddox, are devastated by the loss of their beloved daughter. In a heartfelt message on a GoFundMe page, Therese expressed their grief and the impact Sloan had on their lives. The fundraiser aims to support the family financially during this difficult time.
The tragedy has left the community shocked and grieving with the Mattingly family. Friends and family describe Sloan as a vibrant and joyful girl. A family friend shared a photo of Sloan outside her own ice cream shop, highlighting her sense of humor and loyalty.
As investigations into the incident continue, there are calls to raise awareness about the dangers of sand holes on beaches. The American Lifeguard Association is advocating for increased beach patrols in areas where digging is common to prevent future tragedies.
This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder that even the simplest of activities can turn tragic. Let us come together as a community to support the grieving family and spread love during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, little Sloan. You will always be remembered.
