Tragic Incident at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach

A devastating incident unfolded at a beach in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, resulting in the death of a young girl and the hospitalization of a boy in critical condition.

Emergency Response

Broward Sheriff’s deputies and paramedics rushed to the scene on El Mar Drive after receiving a distress call at 3:16 p.m. They found a large crowd gathered around a sizable sand hole that had been cordoned off for safety.

Victims

Two children, a 9-year-old boy, and a 7-year-old girl, were retrieved from the sand hole and transported to the hospital in critical condition. Tragically, the young girl, identified as Sloan Mattingly, succumbed to her injuries. Her older brother, Maddox Mattingly, remains in critical condition.

 

Sand Hole Accident

Witnesses reported that the children had been digging and playing in the sand before the ground suddenly collapsed beneath them. The hole they fell into was estimated to be 5 to 6 feet deep, according to Sandra King of Pompano Beach Fire Rescue.

Rescue Efforts

Beachgoers and emergency responders sprang into action, frantically digging with their bare hands and using support boards to prevent further collapse. Despite their valiant efforts, it remains unclear how long the children were buried under the sand.

Sand Hole Dangers

The incident sheds light on the dangers of sand holes, with statistics revealing numerous documented cases of similar accidents resulting in fatalities, particularly among children and young adults.

Previous Incidents

Recent incidents, such as the collapse of a sand pit on a New Jersey beach and the tragic discovery of a buried man on the Treasure Coast, serve as stark reminders of the potential hazards posed by seemingly harmless beach activities.