Imagine taking a blissful family vacation on the sunny beaches of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, only for it to turn into a devastating nightmare. That’s exactly what happened to Therese and Jason Mattingly, when their two children, Sloan, 7, and Maddox, 9, were tragically buried alive while playing in a sand hole.

The incident left the family and their loved ones grappling with the shocking loss of Sloan, described as the “purest human being.” The siblings were trapped in the rapidly collapsing hole, and although emergency services rushed to the scene and did their best to rescue them, Sloan tragically didn’t make it. Maddox, her brother, is currently in critical condition, and we can only hope for his recovery.

This heart-wrenching accident highlights the importance of beach safety and raises awareness about the dangers posed by large sand holes. Although it was a freak accident, it serves as a reminder that we must work together to protect ourselves and our loved ones at the beach.

As the community mourns the loss of this sweet young girl, friends, family, and even strangers are showing their support through messages of love and donations to help the Mattingly family during this difficult time. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to cover funeral costs and support them as they navigate their new world without Sloan.

Local beachgoers in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea were left shocked by the incident, expressing their disbelief that such a tragedy could occur in a place known for relaxation and fun. The beach does not currently have lifeguards on duty, but this incident has sparked calls for increased beach patrols and greater awareness of sand hole dangers.

The American Lifeguard Association issued a warning about the dangers of sand holes, urging communities to implement measures that promote beach safety. By working together and fostering a culture of awareness, we can help prevent future tragedies and ensure that our beaches remain joyful places for everyone.

Our hearts go out to the Mattingly family as they grieve their unimaginable loss. It is important to share their story and spread love and support to the family during this devastating time.