family vacation turned deadly for Indiana siblings Sloan and Maddox Mattingly. The children, 7 and 9, were playing in the sand at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea beach when a large sand hole collapsed, burying them alive. Tragically, Sloan did not survive, and her brother Maddox remains in critical condition.
Family Escapes Winter for Florida Sunshine
In mid-February, Therese and Jason Mattingly packed their kids and left chilly Fort Wayne, Indiana, for the sunny beaches of Florida. On February 20, the family enjoyed the beach before 3 p.m., letting the children dig and play in a large sand hole nearby.
Frantic Rescue Efforts
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the sand swallowed the siblings. A bystander called 911, reporting that a father was yelling for help while his daughter was trapped. “Everybody’s screaming,” the caller said.
Emergency responders quickly arrived, using support boards to prevent further collapse and shovels to dig out the children. Both were rushed to the hospital. Sloan later d**d, while Maddox’s recovery remains uncertain.
Family Mourns the ‘Purest Human Being’
Therese Mattingly shared her grief on GoFundMe, writing, “A freak accident took away our greatest 7.5 years. Don’t tell us you’re sorry for our loss. We experienced the purest human being and we are forever changed by her.”
The GoFundMe, which has raised nearly $146,000 of its $150,000 goal, aims to help cover funeral costs and ease the family’s financial burden. Friends and family continue to share memories, calling Sloan “the funniest friend, the most loyal sister, and one of the greatest creations her parents ever made.”
Community Shocked by the Accident
Locals expressed disbelief over the tragedy. “I’ve lived here 50 years and never seen anything like that,” said one resident, noting that the beach currently has no lifeguards. Another local, Harry Defina, explained that the children were playing in a hole dug by a man just 30 minutes earlier. He described the hole as massive—about 18 feet long and six feet wide—and recalled the heartbreaking sight of the children trapped.
Lifeguard Association Issues W*rning
The American Lifeguard Association called the incident a reminder of the dangers of sand holes. Bernard J. Fisher II, the association’s director of health and safety, urged for stronger safety measures and increased beach patrols. “By fostering a community of safety and awareness, we can prevent future tragedies and ensure beaches remain places of joy,” he said.