Imagine going on a joyful family vacation to the sunny beaches of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, only for it to turn into a devastating nightmare. Sadly, this became a reality for 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 in shock and grappling with the heart-wrenching loss of Sloan, described as the “purest human being.” Although emergency services rushed to the scene and did everything they could, Sloan did not make it. Maddox, her brother, is currently in critical condition, and our prayers are with him for his recovery.
This tragic accident sheds light on the importance of beach safety and serves as a wake-up call to the dangers of large sand holes. While it was an unfortunate freak accident, it reminds us that we must come together to protect ourselves and our loved ones when enjoying the beach.
As the community mourns the loss of this innocent young girl, friends, family, and even strangers are rallying together to support the Mattingly family during this unimaginable time. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to cover funeral costs and provide assistance as the family adjusts to their new reality without Sloan.
Local beachgoers in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea were left shocked by this incident, expressing disbelief that such a tragedy could occur in a place associated with relaxation and fun. Currently, the beach does not have lifeguards on duty, but this heartbreaking event has sparked calls for increased beach patrols and greater awareness of the dangers posed by sand holes.
In response to this tragedy, the American Lifeguard Association issued a warning about sand hole dangers, urging communities to take action in promoting beach safety. By working together and fostering a culture of awareness, we can prevent future tragedies and ensure that our beaches remain joyful places for everyone.
Our hearts go out to the Mattingly family as they grieve the loss of their beloved Sloan. It is vital to share their story and offer love and support during this devastating time.
