Tragedy struck in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, when siblings Sloan and Maddox Mattingly were buried in a sand collapse while playing during a family vacation. Seven-year-old Sloan did not survive, and her nine-year-old brother, Maddox, remains in critical condition.

Emergency crews rushed to the beach as chaos unfolded. Using shovels and support boards, rescuers fought against time to free the children from the collapsed sand pit. Witnesses described the scene as heartbreaking and frantic.

Sloan’s mother, Therese Mattingly, called her daughter “the purest human being,” expressing profound grief over the loss. What began as a joyful family trip ended in unimaginable sorrow.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support the Mattingly family, drawing donations and messages of compassion from across the country. Friends remembered Sloan as a vibrant child who brought joy to everyone around her.

Authorities are investigating the incident, and safety experts are urging greater awareness of the dangers posed by digging deep sand holes. The American Lifeguard Association has called for stronger beach safety rules, including increased patrols and visible warnings.

As condolences continue to pour in, Sloan’s memory stands as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility—and the importance of vigilance, even in moments of play.