A fun-filled family day at a Florida beach turned into a nightmare, shattering Therese Mattingly’s world. Her children, Sloan, 7, and Maddox, 9, were happily playing in the sand when suddenly tragedy struck. The sand hole they were digging collapsed, burying Sloan and leaving her family devastated.
In an exclusive interview with ‘Good Morning America,’ Therese and her husband Jason opened up about the harrowing experience and their mission to honor Sloan’s memory by advocating for beach safety.
Mattingly Family’s Mission
Describing the horrifying incident, Therese recounted how chaos ensued as the sand collapsed rapidly, trapping Sloan beneath. Despite frantic efforts from beachgoers to rescue the children, Sloan tragically lost her life, leaving behind a grieving family and a community in shock.
Reflecting on the events of that day, Jason expressed disbelief at how quickly their idyllic beach outing turned into tragedy. The Mattinglys emphasized that they had always prioritized safety but never imagined such a devastating scenario.
Sloan, described as a “beam of light” and a source of joy for her family, was remembered fondly by her parents. Her infectious enthusiasm and love for life left an indelible mark on those who knew her. The family shared anecdotes of Sloan’s love for Taylor Swift and her passion for making friendship bracelets, showcasing the vibrant spirit she embodied.
For Maddox, Sloan’s sudden absence has left a profound void. Therese and Jason spoke of their efforts to support their son through this unimaginably difficult time, acknowledging the challenges of processing such a profound loss at a young age.
Despite their grief, the Mattinglys are determined to channel their pain into action. By sharing their story, they hope to raise awareness about the dangers of sand holes on beaches and prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.
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Advocating for Beach Sand Safety
Their advocacy has garnered support from their community and beyond. Mayor Chris Vincent of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea expressed gratitude to the Mattingly family for their collaboration in promoting beach safety initiatives in Sloan’s memory.
The Mattinglys’ message is clear: awareness and vigilance are essential when enjoying time at the beach. Karen Daniels, a physicist specializing in sand dynamics, underscored the importance of caution, advising beachgoers to avoid digging sand holes deeper than knee-level and to be mindful of potential hazards.
As the Mattingly family continues to navigate their grief, their unwavering determination to honor Sloan’s legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of tragedy and the power of advocacy in fostering positive change.
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