Parents of 7-year-old who died in sand hole break their silence

Good Morning America

14 Mar 202406:09

Summary

TLDRThe parents of 7-year-old Sloan, who tragically died when a sandhole collapsed on her at a Florida beach, share their story to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of sandholes. They emphasize the importance of not digging deep holes on the beach and the need for increased safety measures, including lifeguards and signage. The family's message is a heartfelt plea to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies, highlighting the rapid nature of such accidents and the overwhelming community support they've received.

Takeaways

😢 A 7-year-old girl, Sloan, tragically died after a sandhole collapsed on her at a Florida beach.
🌊 Parents Teresa and Jason Mattingly share their story to raise awareness of the hidden dangers of sandholes.
⚠️ The accident occurred during a seemingly perfect beach day, highlighting the unexpected nature of such incidents.
👧🏼 Sloan was playing with her 9-year-old brother Maddox when the sandhole caved in.
🏥 Despite immediate rescue efforts and medical attention, Sloan did not survive.
🕵️‍♂️ The incident took place on an open public beach without a lifeguard on duty.
📏 Experts advise that sandholes should not be deeper than the knee of the shortest person digging, to prevent collapse.
🏖️ The town of Lauderdale by the Sea is developing a national safety campaign in response to the tragedy.
💔 The Mattingly family is grateful for the support and kindness shown to them by strangers during and after the incident.
🌟 A photo taken by a stranger, showing a light stretching from the sky to the sand, has brought comfort to the family.
📢 The Mattinglys urge beachgoers to be vigilant and speak up if they see potentially dangerous situations.

Q & A

What was the age of the girl who tragically died in the sandhole collapse?
-The girl was 7 years old.
Where did the sandhole collapse occur?
-The sandhole collapse happened on a Florida beach.
What was the family doing on the beach before the incident?
-The family was enjoying a beach day, looking for seashells and playing in the sand with their two young children.
How did the parents describe their immediate reaction to the sandhole collapse?
-The parents described it as a blur, chaotic, and horrifying. They were frantic and desperately tried to save their daughter.
What was the role of the woman who stayed with their son Maddox?
-The woman, who turned out to be a nurse, stayed with Maddox after he was pulled out of the sand to check on him and provide care.
How long did it take to fully rescue the children from the sandhole?
-It took nearly 20 minutes to get the children out of the hole.
What was the depth of the sandhole that collapsed?
-The sandhole was several feet deep.
What safety advice do the parents have for other families regarding sandholes?
-The parents advise against digging sandholes altogether and encourage people to speak up if they see dangerous situations on the beach.
What is the town of Lauderdale by the Sea doing in response to this tragedy?
-The town is developing a national safety campaign and considering a local ordinance to ban digging on their beach to help prevent future tragedies.
How is the family coping with their loss?
-The family is coping minute by minute, and they find comfort in the support and love from strangers, including a photo taken at the scene that they believe is a sign from Sloan.
How did Sloan's parents describe her personality and interests?
-Sloan was described as a beam of light and joy, who loved unicorns and Taylor Swift, and lived life with happiness and energy.

Outlines

00:00

😢 Tragic Sandhole Collapse Claims Young Life

The parents of 7-year-old Sloan share their heartbreaking story after their daughter was tragically killed when a sandhole on a Florida beach collapsed. They discuss the devastating incident, the urgency of spreading awareness about the hidden dangers of sandholes, and their efforts to prevent similar tragedies. The family's harrowing experience, the community's response, and the importance of safety guidelines on beaches are highlighted.

05:01

🌟 Sloan's Legacy: A Message of Hope and Safety

The Madingley family, still reeling from their loss, emphasize the importance of their message for beach safety. They reflect on the support they've received, including a comforting photo captured by a stranger that symbolizes Sloan's spirit. The family's resilience and their desire to honor Sloan's memory by advocating for safer beaches are underscored, along with a call to action for everyone to be vigilant and speak up about potential dangers.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Tragic accident

The term 'tragic accident' refers to an unforeseen and unfortunate event that leads to severe consequences, such as the loss of life. In the context of the video, it describes the sudden collapse of a sandhole on a Florida beach that resulted in the death of 7-year-old Sloan. This accident is the central event around which the narrative of the video is built, highlighting the unexpected dangers that can occur at the beach.

💡Hidden danger

A 'hidden danger' is a risk or threat that is not immediately apparent or visible. In the video, the parents of Sloan warn other families about the hidden danger of sandholes on beaches, which can collapse and pose a serious risk to children playing in the sand. The term underscores the importance of being aware of potential hazards that may not be obvious at first glance.

💡Spring Break season

The 'Spring Break season' is a period typically associated with the late winter to early spring in the United States, during which many schools and colleges have a week or two off. It is a popular time for vacations, including trips to beaches. In the video, the parents of Sloan share their story as a cautionary message during this season, aiming to educate families about beach safety and the potential risks of sandholes.

💡Safety campaign

A 'safety campaign' is an organized effort to raise awareness about a particular safety issue, often with the goal of preventing accidents or injuries. In the video, the town of Lauderdale by the Sea is developing a national safety campaign in response to the tragic accident, intending to share it with coastal communities to help prevent future tragedies.

💡Lifeguard

A 'lifeguard' is a professional trained in the prevention, detection, and response to aquatic emergencies such as drowning. In the context of the video, the absence of a lifeguard on the beach where the accident occurred is mentioned, highlighting the potential role they could have played in preventing or responding to the sandhole collapse.

💡Expert warnings

Expert warnings refer to cautionary advice given by professionals or authorities with specialized knowledge in a particular field. In the video, expert warnings about the dangers of sandholes, especially when they are too deep, are discussed to underscore the importance of following safety guidelines to avoid such accidents.

💡Caving in

The term 'caving in' describes the process of collapsing or falling inwards, often used to describe the failure of structures or surfaces under pressure. In the context of the video, it refers to the sandhole walls collapsing under their own weight, trapping the children inside and leading to the tragic accident.

💡Frantic help

The phrase 'frantic help' describes a state of desperate and hurried assistance offered in a crisis situation. In the video, it is used to describe the efforts of several people on the beach who rushed to help when the sandhole collapsed, illustrating the community's immediate response to the emergency.

💡GoFundMe page

A 'GoFundMe page' is an online fundraising platform where individuals can create personal campaigns to raise money for various causes, often in times of need. In the video, a stranger's photo posted on the family's GoFundMe page is mentioned as a source of comfort for the family, symbolizing the support and love they received from the community.

💡Beach safety

Beach safety refers to the precautions and measures taken to prevent accidents and injuries while enjoying recreational activities at the beach. The video focuses on the importance of beach safety, particularly the awareness of the risks associated with sandholes, and the need for increased vigilance and safety measures.

💡Community support

Community support refers to the assistance, encouragement, and solidarity provided by a group of people, often in times of crisis or hardship. In the video, the family receives community support through the GoFundMe page and the immediate help offered by strangers at the beach, demonstrating the collective empathy and care of the community.

Highlights

Parents of 7-year-old Sloan share their tragic story to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of sandholes on beaches.

The accident occurred during a family beach day in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when a sandhole collapsed, burying Sloan.

Despite being nearby, the parents were unable to save their daughter due to the weight of the sand.

It took nearly 20 minutes to dig the children out of the sandhole, which was several feet deep.

Sloan was rushed to the hospital but sadly did not survive.

The parents express gratitude to the first responders and the community for their efforts and support.

Experts warn that sandholes, even relatively small ones, can pose serious danger, especially if they are too deep.

The family suggests that sandholes should not be deeper than the knee of the shortest person digging, to prevent such accidents.

The town of Lauderdale by the Sea is developing a national safety campaign to prevent future tragedies.

The family remembers Sloan as a bright and joyful girl who loved unicorns and Taylor Swift.

The Mingle family encourages people to speak up if they see dangerous situations on the beach to prevent further accidents.

A stranger's photo of a light stretching from the sky to the sand has brought comfort to the family, symbolizing that Sloan is at peace.

The parents' message is a heartfelt plea for beach safety and vigilance during the Spring Break season.

The interview with the parents was conducted sensitively, acknowledging the pain of their loss.

The family's story serves as a powerful reminder of the unexpected dangers that can occur even during seemingly safe activities.

The parents' advocacy for beach safety could potentially lead to changes in local ordinances and increased awareness.

The tragic incident highlights the importance of being vigilant and prepared for emergencies, even during leisure activities.

The interview ends with a call to action for viewers to subscribe to the GMA YouTube channel for more content.