Family speaks out on beach safety following heart-wrenching incident

In a poignant first-time public statement, the grief-stricken parents of a seven-year-old girl, Sloan Mattingly, have shared their harrowing experience following a tragic incident at a Florida beach. Therese and Jason Mattingly, who also have a nine-year-old son, Maddox, recounted the day that turned from ‘perfect’ to a nightmare when a hole their children were digging at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea beach collapsed.

The catastrophe unfolded rapidly as beachgoers scrambled to rescue Sloan and Maddox, who were buried in the sand. Maddox was fortunately extracted with assistance from a nurse present at the scene, but Sloan, tragically, could not be saved despite the frantic rescue efforts. She later passed away in the hospital.

With Spring Break around the corner, the Mattinglys are stepping forward to raise awareness about beach safety. “We are the kind of parents who are considered a little overprotective most of the time and think of everything,” said Jason, emphasizing that the danger posed by digging holes on the beach had never crossed their minds.

In an emotional interview with Good Morning America, Therese expressed her disbelief at the speed with which the accident occurred, lamenting that their proximity to Sloan at the time of the collapse did not prevent the tragedy. She fondly remembered Sloan as a ‘beam of light’ and lamented the loss of the ‘built-in best friend’ to her brother Maddox, who she believes is internalizing his grief.

The Mattinglys are determined to channel their pain into action by advocating for enhanced beach safety measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring to other families. They are exploring options for increased signage, lifeguard presence, or patrols on beaches.

Their efforts have garnered support from Chris Vincent, the mayor of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, who expressed his condolences and committed to collaborating with the family on a ‘national public safety campaign in Sloan’s memory.’ This campaign aims to raise awareness about the hazards of digging on beaches and may include local ordinances to restrict such activities.

As the Mattinglys navigate their unimaginable loss, their resolve to ensure Sloan’s legacy includes a safer environment for beachgoers is a testament to their love for their daughter and their commitment to preventing future tragedies.