Seven-year-old Sloan Mattingly and her nine-year-old brother Maddox were enjoying a family vacation on the sunny Lauderdale-by-the-Sea beach when a tragic accident changed everything. The two siblings had been playing and digging in the sand near their parents when a large hole they were in suddenly collapsed.
Emergency responders and bystanders rushed to dig the children out using shovels and support boards to stop further collapse. Maddox was buried up to his chest but was pulled out alive, while little Sloan was completely covered by sand. Despite resuscitation efforts and hospital care, Sloan sadly passed away. Maddox remains hospitalized, fighting for his life.
The family described Sloan as a bright, loving child who cherished simple joys like dancing and music. Friends, neighbors, and the local community have expressed deep sorrow over the heartbreaking loss. Authorities continue to investigate the incident at a lifeguard-free beach, while calls grow for improved beach safety and warnings about the dangers of sand holes.
