What should have been a carefree beach day ended in heartbreak for the Mattingly family from Fort Wayne, Indiana. While vacationing in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, 7-year-old Sloan Mattingly lost her life in a tragic sand collapse, and her 9-year-old brother Maddox remains hospitalized.

The family had traveled to Florida for a winter getaway. On February 20, Sloan and Maddox were playing in the sand near their parents when they accidentally became trapped in a large hole. Without warning, the sand caved in on them.

Panicked screams drew the attention of nearby beachgoers, who rushed to help. Witnesses described frantic efforts to dig the children out. One person called 911, reporting that a child was buried in the sand. The children’s father desperately tried to free Sloan as she was swallowed by the collapse, while their mother pleaded for help.

Emergency crews arrived quickly, using boards to stabilize the area and shovels to dig through the sand. Despite their best efforts, Sloan could not be saved. Maddox was pulled out and transported to the hospital in critical condition.

His current condition remains unknown as the family mourns the loss of Sloan and holds onto hope for Maddox’s recovery. The devastating accident has left the Mattingly family and their community in shock—serving as a sobering reminder of how quickly a moment of innocent fun can turn dangerous.