A Family Vacation Turns Tragic: Indiana Siblings Buried in Sand, Leaving One Dead and One Hospitalized

What began as a joyful day in the sun for the Mattingly family turned into an unimaginable tragedy when a seemingly harmless beach activity ended in heartbreak. Indiana siblings Sloan and Maddox Mattingly had just arrived at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea beach, thrilled to escape the cold and bask in the warmth of the Florida sun. Like many children, they were drawn to the sand, eager to build, dig, and play—simple pleasures that have delighted generations.

Therese and Jason Mattingly had brought their children on a much-anticipated family getaway from Fort Wayne, Indiana. The trip was meant to be a refreshing break from the grip of winter back home—a chance to create happy memories by the sea. The beach, with its gentle waves and golden sand, seemed the perfect place for laughter, relaxation, and connection. But what happened on February 20 shattered those expectations forever.

As the children played near their parents, they began digging in the sand—an innocent and seemingly safe pastime. They were only a short distance away, within sight, as they enthusiastically worked together, forming a deep hole in the soft shoreline. But in an instant, everything changed. The sand shifted unexpectedly, collapsing inward and engulfing both children in a terrifying cascade of debris. In a matter of seconds, Sloan and Maddox disappeared beneath the surface.

Bystanders nearby heard the desperate cries for help. One witness said the screams pierced the air, cutting through the sound of the waves. Several rushed to assist, using their hands to claw at the sand. A panicked beachgoer called 911, reporting the emergency and pleading for immediate assistance. The caller described the scene as frantic and chaotic—two young children buried alive, their parents sobbing and begging for help.

Jason, the children’s father, reportedly tried to dig with his bare hands, calling out for Sloan as the sand kept falling. Therese, the children’s mother, was seen crying hysterically, urging strangers to help save her babies. It was a scene of pure horror—something no parent should ever have to witness. The family vacation had turned into a living nightmare within minutes.

When emergency responders arrived, they immediately understood the gravity of the situation. Teams worked quickly and carefully, using wooden support boards to prevent further collapse and employing shovels to remove the dense, wet sand. Time was against them. Despite every effort made, it was tragically too late for Sloan. The seven-year-old girl was pronounced dead on the scene, her life cut short by a freak accident no one could have foreseen.

Her older brother, Maddox, was finally pulled from the sand and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Though still alive, his injuries were serious, and doctors continue to monitor his recovery. As of the latest reports, Maddox remains hospitalized, and his condition remains uncertain.

The incident has left the Mattingly family devastated. Friends, family members, and strangers across the country have shared their heartbreak, offering prayers, condolences, and support in what is now a deeply painful and public grieving process. What was supposed to be a joyful trip to the beach has become a lifelong wound for the parents who lost one child and nearly lost another.

Authorities are now looking into how such a tragic accident could have occurred. While digging in the sand is a common and generally safe activity for children, experts have noted that large or deep holes can collapse easily and without warning, especially with the weight of loose sand pressing down from above.

As the Mattinglys struggle to come to terms with their loss, the story serves as a somber reminder that even the most innocent activities can carry unforeseen risks. Sloan’s memory will no doubt live on in the hearts of all who knew her—and even in the hearts of those who didn’t, but were touched by her story. Maddox’s fight for recovery remains a symbol of hope amidst the sorrow.

For now, the community rallies around the family, holding onto the hope that Maddox will heal and that the Mattinglys will one day find peace after such unimaginable loss.