9-Year-Old Boy Pulled From Sand
Photo by GoFundMe/CBS Miami/Youtube

9-Year-Old Boy Pulled From Sand Hole That Killed His 7-Year-Old Sister – He ‘Will Never Be the Same’

A family vacation turned into a nightmare when seven-year-old Sloan Mattingly tragically lost her life after becoming trapped in a collapsing sand hole at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, last February, reported by PEOPLE. Her nine-year-old brother, Maddox, narrowly survived but has been deeply affected by the loss of his sister and “built-in best friend.”

The children’s devastated parents, Therese and Jason Mattingly, shared their heartbreaking story on Good Morning America. Maddox, now an only child, faces a difficult road ahead. “I think he’s holding a lot in,” Therese said, emphasizing their efforts to support him through this unimaginable grief, reported by Daily Star.

Jason added, “I think he’ll always be a little different now, but we’re willing to do whatever we need to do to make sure he has the help to kind of process this and move forward with Sloan in his heart.”

The tragedy unfolded as the children were playing on the beach. A 4-to-5-foot sand hole collapsed, burying Sloan completely and trapping Maddox up to his chest. Despite the desperate efforts of nearly 20 passers-by to dig them out, Sloan was unresponsive when rescued. She was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, while Maddox was hospitalized in stable condition.

Sloan Mattingly
Photo by GoFundMe/CBS Miami/Youtube

Jason described the chaotic scene: “It’s kind of a blur… it just happened so fast. In my mind, I had her in my hands, but the weight of the sand was too much.” Therese added, “It didn’t matter that we were literally right there. It was just a hole. And there’s nothing.”

The children’s uncle, Chris Sloan, recounted Maddox’s harrowing words. “[Sloan] kept trying to grab up Maddox’s leg to get out of the sand, and eventually, he couldn’t feel her moving anymore.”

As the one-year anniversary of the tragedy approaches, the family is raising awareness about the hidden dangers of sand holes. Jason urged vigilance: “If we can do anything to save another family from going through this… whether that’s signage, beach patrol, or strangers taking the courage to say something, we’ll do it.”

Beach safety experts warn that sand holes can collapse quickly, trapping individuals under the compacted sand. The Mattinglys’ courage in sharing their story has resonated with many, inspiring heartfelt condolences and gratitude from those now more aware of these dangers.

One viewer commented, “These parents are so strong to put themselves out there to educate others. Thank you.” Another wrote, “This is the most heartbreaking thing ever. My thoughts are with this family.”

The Mattinglys’ story serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike and the importance of raising awareness to prevent similar accidents.

Related posts

Mother and ex-partner Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering Toddler in Kent

Jenifer Jain

Emergency Crews Race to Holiday Inn After Serious Incident Unfolds

Michael Gibson

British Woman and Husband Found Dead After Abandoning Eco-Friendly Yacht

George Hughes