What began as a joyful beach vacation ended in heartbreak for the Mattingly family when a sand hole collapsed, trapping siblings Sloan and Maddox.

Bystanders heard screams and rushed to help, as frantic efforts were made to dig the children out. Emergency crews arrived quickly, working with boards and shovels to prevent further collapse—but it was too late for 7-year-old Sloan. Her brother Maddox was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, and his current status remains unknown.

Sloan’s mother shared an emotional message on their GoFundMe page, writing: “Please don’t send condolences—just remember our pure-hearted Sloan. We would give anything to have her back.”

The fundraiser has raised nearly $146,000 to help cover funeral costs and bring Sloan home from Florida.

Friends and family are mourning a little girl described as funny, fearless, and full of life. Her father recently shared a bittersweet memory of visiting an ice cream shop named “Sloan’s,” never imagining it would be one of their last joyful moments together.

Locals are stunned by the rare and devastating accident. “I’ve never seen anything like that,” one resident said. “I’m shocked.”

According to reports, the hole may have been dug earlier that day by another beachgoer—just minutes before the tragedy unfolded.