Sloan Mattingly Parents: Mother Therese Mattingly & Father Jason Mattingly
Sloan Mattingly was a 7-year-old girl who loved life, her family, and the beach. She was on vacation with her parents, Jason and Therese Mattingly, and her brother, Maddox, in South Florida when a tragic accident took her life.
On February 20, 2024, Sloan and Maddox were digging a hole in the sand at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea when it collapsed on them, burying them under several feet of sand. Despite the efforts of their father, other beachgoers, and emergency responders, Sloan could not be saved. She died at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. Maddox survived the ordeal and is recovering in the hospital.
Who were Sloan Mattingly’s parents?
Jason and Therese Mattingly were the loving parents of Sloan and Maddox. They lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where Jason ran a painting business and Therese worked as a nurse. They were described by their family and friends as hardworking, caring, and devoted to their children. They rarely went on vacation, but they decided to take their kids to Florida for a week to enjoy the sun and the sea. They rented an Airbnb near the beach and planned to have some fun and relaxation.
Jason and Therese Mattingly shared their joy and pride in their children on social media. They posted photos and videos of Sloan and Maddox playing, laughing, and learning. They also expressed their gratitude for their blessings and their faith in God. They called Sloan their “baby” and their “angel”. They said she was “full of love and life” and “the purest human being”. They said she “forever changed” their lives and they loved her “beyond any stretch of the imagination”.
Sloan Mattingly Family
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Sloan Mattingly |
| Date of birth | July 16, 2016 |
| Date of death | February 20, 2024 |
| Cause of death | Sand hole collapse |
| Parents | Jason Mattingly Therese Mattingly |
| Siblings | Maddox Mattingly |
| Residence | Fort Wayne, Indiana |
| Occupation | First-grade student |
| Interests | Playing, learning, digging holes in the sand |
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What happened on that fateful day?
On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, Jason and Therese Mattingly took their kids to the beach at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, a small town north of Fort Lauderdale. It was a sunny and warm day, perfect for some sand and surf. Sloan and Maddox decided to dig a hole in the sand, something they had done before and enjoyed. They used their hands and a plastic shovel to scoop out the sand and make a deep pit. Their father helped them for a while, but then left them to play on their own. He was nearby, watching them and taking pictures.
Suddenly, the sand gave way and the hole collapsed on Sloan and Maddox, trapping them under the sand. Maddox was partially exposed, but Sloan was completely buried. Maddox screamed for help and tried to grab Sloan’s leg, but he could not feel her moving anymore. Jason rushed to the scene and pulled Maddox out of the sand. He then tried to dig out Sloan, but the sand was too heavy and dense. He called for help and other beachgoers joined him in the frantic effort to rescue Sloan. They used their hands, shovels, buckets, and anything they could find to move the sand. They formed a human chain to pass the sand away from the hole.
Meanwhile, someone called 911 and reported the incident. Emergency responders arrived within minutes and took over the rescue operation. They used specialized equipment and techniques to try to locate and reach Sloan. They also administered oxygen and CPR to Maddox, who was conscious but in shock. After about 20 minutes, they finally found Sloan and pulled her out of the sand. She was not breathing and had no pulse. They performed CPR on her and transported her to the hospital, along with Maddox and their parents.
At the hospital, doctors tried to revive Sloan, but it was too late. She was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Maddox was treated for his injuries and stabilized. He was in a stable condition and expected to make a full recovery. Jason and Therese Mattingly were inconsolable. They hugged each other and prayed for their daughter. They also thanked the people who tried to save her and expressed their grief and disbelief.
How did the community react to the tragedy?
The news of Sloan Mattingly’s death shocked and saddened the community, both in Florida and in Indiana. People who knew the family or witnessed the accident expressed their condolences and sympathy. They also offered their support and assistance to the Mattinglys. A GoFundMe page was set up by a family friend to help them with the funeral costs and other expenses. The page raised more than $143,000 in donations from over 2,000 people. Many of the donors left messages of love and encouragement for the family. Some of them also shared their own stories of losing a child or a loved one.
The community also held vigils and memorials for Sloan. At the beach where the accident happened, people left flowers, candles, stuffed animals, and notes in honor of Sloan. They also wrote messages in the sand and released balloons into the sky. At Sloan’s school in Fort Wayne, students and teachers wore pink, her favorite color, and made cards and posters for her. They also held a moment of silence and a prayer service for her. The school principal said Sloan was a bright and cheerful student who loved to learn and make friends. She said she would be missed by everyone who knew her.
The community also called for more awareness and safety measures to prevent such accidents from happening again. They said that digging holes in the sand can be dangerous and unpredictable, especially for children. They urged parents to supervise their kids and limit the depth and size of the holes. They also asked the authorities to post signs and warnings at the beach and to educate the public about the risks and precautions. They said that they hoped that Sloan’s death would not be in vain and that it would save other lives in the future.
What is the legacy of Sloan?
Sloan Mattingly was a 7-year-old girl who had a zest for life and a love for her family. She was a happy, sweet, and innocent child who enjoyed simple things like digging holes in the sand. She was taken away too soon by a tragic accident that shocked and saddened many people. She left behind a heartbroken family and a grieving community.
She also left behind a legacy of love and light that will live on in the memories and hearts of those who knew her. She will always be remembered as a beautiful angel who touched many lives. She will always be loved and missed by her parents, her brother, and everyone who knew her. Rest in peace, Sloan. You are forever in our thoughts and prayers.
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