The parents of seven-year-old Sloan Mattingly, who tragically died after a sand hole collapsed on her at a Florida beach, are speaking out for the first time since the incident. Recalling the horrific moment, Therese and Jason Mattingly described the chaos that ensued while Sloan and her brother Maddox were digging in the sand. Despite efforts from beachgoers, Sloan couldn’t be saved after being buried, and she passed away after being rushed to the hospital.

In an interview with Good Morning America, the grieving parents emphasized the importance of beach safety, a lesson they hadn’t considered before. They described themselves as typically overprotective parents and expressed shock at how quickly the collapse occurred. Jason also shared concerns about Maddox’s emotional well-being, acknowledging the lasting impact of the ordeal.

The Mattingly family’s tragic story serves as a poignant reminder of the unforeseen dangers that can arise, even in seemingly innocent activities, and underscores the necessity of vigilance and safety precautions, even in familiar settings like the beach.

Rest in peace, Sloan Mattingly.