Parents of 7-year-old who died in sand hole break their silence
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In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the parents of Sloan Mattingly, a 7-year-old girl who tragically lost her life after being buried in a sand hole at a Florida beach, have finally spoken out. This devastating incident has prompted the Mattingly family to share their story, hoping to raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies.
Teresa and Jason Mattingly, still reeling from the loss of their beloved daughter, sat down with Arel RF to recount the events leading to Sloan’s untimely demise and to issue a critical warning to parents and beachgoers alike.
A Day Turned Tragic
Just weeks ago, the Mattingly family was enjoying a seemingly perfect day at a beach near Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida. Sloan and her 9-year-old brother, Maddox, were innocently playing in the sand, digging and exploring. However, in a sudden and horrific turn of events, a sand hole they were excavating collapsed, burying Sloan beneath it.
Frantic Efforts to Save Sloan
Jason Mattingly described the harrowing moments when the sand hole collapsed, expressing how time seemed to stand still as several individuals rushed to help dig the children out. Despite frantic efforts and the involvement of First Responders, Sloan could not be saved.
Urgent Warning: Sand Holes Pose Serious Danger
Experts caution that even seemingly innocuous sand holes can pose a significant risk, especially to children. Sand holes, if too deep, can collapse quickly, trapping individuals beneath heavy and compacted sand. The Mattingly family emphasizes the importance of vigilance and urges beachgoers to avoid digging large holes altogether.
Advocating for Change
In response to this tragic incident, the town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is taking steps to enhance beach safety measures. Plans include the development of a national safety campaign and discussions regarding potential ordinances to regulate digging on public beaches.
Remembering Sloan
As the Mattingly family grapples with their loss, they fondly remember Sloan as a beacon of joy and love. They hope to honor her memory by raising awareness and preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
A Message of Love and Vigilance
As families prepare to flock to beaches for the upcoming Spring Break season, the Mattingly family’s message is clear: vigilance can save lives. They implore beachgoers to remain aware of potential dangers and to take proactive steps to ensure safety for all.
In the wake of this unimaginable loss, the Mattingly family finds solace in the outpouring of support from their community and beyond. While coping remains a minute-to-minute struggle, gestures of kindness and support provide comfort during this difficult time.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that lurk beneath the sand’s surface, underscoring the importance of beach safety for all. Through their advocacy and courage, the Mattingly family hopes to prevent further tragedies and honor Sloan’s memory.