What began as a joyful family getaway to sunny Florida ended in unimaginable heartbreak for the Mattingly family of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Seven-year-old Sloan Mattingly and her nine-year-old brother Maddox were excited to soak up the simple pleasures of childhood—sunshine, surf, and building sandcastles—when they arrived at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. But their day of fun turned tragic in an instant. As the siblings played and dug in the sand, a deep hole unexpectedly collapsed, burying them beneath a cascade of shifting earth.
Despite frantic efforts to save them, Sloan tragically lost her life beneath the sand. Maddox was pulled out alive but critically injured, and is now fighting for his life in the hospital.
Their parents, Therese and Jason Mattingly, had hoped their February 20th trip would be a peaceful escape from the winter chill. Instead, it became every parent’s worst nightmare—one that unfolded just steps away as their children unknowingly wandered into danger.
The Mattingly family’s beachside escape turned into a heartbreaking nightmare in mere moments.
The serene sounds of waves and laughter at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea were suddenly pierced by cries for help, as bystanders rushed to the site of a collapsing sand hole. Witnesses heard the panicked screams and saw desperate hands clawing at the sand, trying to rescue two trapped children. One beachgoer, overwhelmed by the unfolding horror, quickly dialed 911, reporting that a young girl had been buried alive.
Jason Mattingly, the children’s father, was seen frantically digging with his bare hands, pleading for help as the sand swallowed his daughter, Sloan. Nearby, his wife, Therese, screamed for assistance, helplessly watching the nightmare unfold.
Emergency crews arrived within minutes, bringing boards to stabilize the collapsing walls and shovels to dig through the treacherous pit. Rescuers worked against the clock to free the siblings. Despite their heroic efforts, seven-year-old Sloan could not be saved. Her nine-year-old brother, Maddox, was pulled from the sand critically injured and rushed to the hospital.
As of now, Maddox’s condition remains uncertain. The Mattingly family, devastated and in shock, is left to mourn the loss of their beloved daughter while praying for their son’s survival. What was meant to be a joyful retreat has become a haunting reminder of how swiftly life can change.
In the wake of unimaginable loss, Sloan Mattingly’s mother shared a heartbreaking message on the family’s GoFundMe page:
“A tragic incident occurred during our vacation, taking away our beloved 7.5-year-old daughter. Please refrain from offering condolences; instead, cherish the memories of our pure-hearted Sloan, who has forever changed us with her presence. Our love for you knows no bounds, our sweet Sloan. We would give anything to have you back.”
The fundraiser, launched to support the Mattingly family in the aftermath of the tragedy, has drawn an outpouring of support—raising nearly $146,000 of its $150,000 goal. The page reads:
“What started as a wonderful family trip turned into the heartbreaking loss of their 7-year-old daughter/sister Sloan. While no amount of money can bring Sloan back, your donation can help bring her home from Florida, cover funeral expenses, and alleviate financial burdens as they adjust to their new reality.”
As the community rallies around the Mattinglys, friends and loved ones are remembering Sloan not for the tragedy, but for the vibrant spirit she brought into their lives.
“She was so much more than her final moments,” wrote a family friend.
Whitney Kanjala, a close friend of the family, posted a cherished photo on Facebook—Sloan beaming in front of Sloan’s Luxury Ice Cream shop in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Alongside it, she wrote:
“She was the funniest friend you could ever ask for, the most loyal sister, the tiniest yet most acrobatic…and one of the greatest creations Therese and Jason Mattingly ever made.”
Just two days after the tragedy, Sloan’s father shared the same image, recalling one of their final moments together:
“We took Sloan to this ice cream shop with her name on it. It was a rainy, nasty day, but we made the best of what we had. We also hit up a local arcade and sang makeshift karaoke at our Airbnb.”
Through grief, a community clings to the light and laughter Sloan brought into the world—her memory now etched into every shared story, every photo, and every tearful tribute.
Locals ‘Devastated,’ ‘Shocked’ as Community Grapples with Tragedy
The tragedy at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has left the local community reeling with grief and disbelief.
“I’ve lived here 50 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” one longtime resident told CBS News. “I’m shocked. Absolutely shocked. I had no idea that something as innocent as digging in the sand could turn so deadly. I never imagined the ground could collapse like that under children simply playing.”
The beach where the incident occurred had no lifeguards on duty at the time—raising further concern among residents and officials alike.
Local Harry Defina, speaking with NBC Miami, shared a haunting recollection. According to him, the enormous hole where Sloan and Maddox became trapped wasn’t dug by the children themselves.
“I was walking by the beach and saw a man digging a huge hole—up to his chest,” Defina said. “We made eye contact, but I didn’t stop him. Now I wish I had. That hole was massive—18 feet long and 6 feet wide. I’m upset that anyone would suggest the kids made it themselves.”
Defina struggled to hold back tears as he recounted the horrific moment he saw the children buried.
“I saw the kids in the hole. I could barely see the boy… and all I could see of the girl was the top of her head,” he said, his voice breaking. “I can’t even finish.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, safety advocates are sounding the alarm.
“The recent incident in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a heart-wrenching reminder of why we must work together to keep our beaches safe,” said Bernard J. Fisher II, director of health and safety at the American Lifeguard Association. The association is now calling for stricter beach patrols and public education about the hidden dangers of deep sand holes, especially in unguarded areas.
“By implementing safety measures and fostering a community of awareness, we can help prevent future tragedies—and ensure that beaches remain places of joy and peace,” Fisher added.
As the investigation continues, heartbreak hangs heavy over a town that never expected such tragedy to unfold on its shores. Sloan Mattingly’s memory is now etched not just into the hearts of her loved ones, but into the very sand where her laughter last echoed.
Rest in peace, sweet Sloan. May your light guide others toward safety and compassion.
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