Family's Tragic Warning: 7-Year-Old Girl Dies After Being Buried in Sand at Florida Beach

Last month, tragedy struck the Mattingly family while they were vacationing in Florida. What was meant to be a relaxing day at the beach turned into a nightmare as their two children, Sloan Mattingly, 7, and Maddox Mattingly, 9, were involved in a horrifying incident that has left the family devastated.

The Unthinkable Happens

On February 20, while playing in the sand at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea beach, a hole that the children were digging suddenly collapsed, burying both kids. Maddox miraculously escaped unharmed, but Sloan was tragically unable to survive the ordeal and passed away at the hospital.

A Parent's Worst Nightmare

Therese and Jason Mattingly, the parents, have broken their silence to share their heart-wrenching experience and to shed light on the importance of beach safety, especially as spring break approaches. The Mattinglys, who are typically vigilant about safety, never imagined that a simple beach activity could turn into such a devastating event.

Remembering Sloan

Sloan, described as a "beam of light" and pure "joy" by her mother, was a first grader at Lafayette Meadows School. Her infectious energy and love for life touched everyone around her. From her love for Taylor Swift to her passion for making friendship bracelets, Sloan's memory remains a treasure to her family and friends.

The Aftermath

While Maddox has lost his beloved sister, the Mattinglys are determined to provide him with the support and help he needs to navigate this difficult time. The outpouring of love and support from their community and beyond has been a source of strength for the family as they come to terms with their loss.

Raising Awareness and Seeking Change

In the wake of this tragedy, the Mattinglys are advocating for greater awareness of the dangers posed by sand holes on beaches. They hope that by sharing their story, other families can be spared from enduring a similar nightmare. Their goal is to bring about changes, whether it be through signage, lifeguards, or beach patrols, to prevent future tragedies.

Expert Advice on Beach Safety

Karen Daniels, a physicist at North Carolina State University, has emphasized the importance of exercising caution when digging sand holes at the beach. Her expert advice is to avoid digging deeper than the knee of the smallest person present. Additionally, she suggests covering a friend with sand at ground level rather than creating a deep hole, and to be mindful of deep sand holes when walking on the beach.

A Call for Preventive Measures

The Mattingly family's heartbreaking experience has prompted discussions about implementing a national public safety campaign and local ordinances to address the risks associated with sand holes on beaches. By working with beach communities, the hope is to prevent another family from enduring the unimaginable loss that the Mattinglys have faced.