The parents of a seven-year-old girl who died in a collapsed sand hole have spoken out for the first time following the devastating ordeal.
Seven-year-old Sloan Mattingly and her brother Maddox were on a family holiday in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, and had been digging a hole on the beach when the sand collapsed in on them.
The hole was around five to six feet deep when the sand collapsed, burying them alive.
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Sloan was completely buried, while Maddox was buried up to his neck in the sand.
Emergency services rushed to the scene where a large group of people were desperately trying to rescue the children. Despite their best efforts, Sloan was later pronounced dead.
Her brother is said to be recovering and in a stable condition at Broward Health Medical Center.
The incident remains under investigation by the authorities, who first arrived on the scene around four minutes after emergency calls were first made.
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Now, Sloan's parents, Therese and Jason, have spoken out about the ordeal in order to warn others.
Speaking to ABC News, mum Therese said: "[How it happened] is kind of the question we have too because we're the kind of people that other parents or family members would roll their eyes at because we're a little overprotective most of the time.
"I think of everything. When we go to the beach, we think of water safety. And this never, ever once crossed my mind.
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"And course now, looking now, I think 'of course!' and so that part's really frustrating."
Dad Jason said that everyone involved in the rescue mission 'tried their hardest' to save his daughter but 'unfortunately, it didn't work out in our favour.'
The devastated parents also expressed concern for Maddox, who they said was 'best friends' with his sister.
Jason said: "I think he'll always be a little different now, but we're willing to do whatever we need to do to make sure he has the help to kind of process this and move forward with Sloan in his heart."
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Since Sloan's tragic passing, Jason and Therese and have been 'overwhelmed' by the love and support they've received.
"We've read every letter. We really appreciate all the support."
They are now trying to raise awareness around beach safety to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
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"I don't know what steps to take in order for that to happen - for, you know, signage or lifeguards or patrol," Therese said.
"But hopefully we can make some sort of change from this."
To donate to the GoFundMe set up to help raise funds for the grieving family, click here.
Topics: US News
Bec Oakes