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

The parents of Sloan Mattingly, who died after getting buried in sand at a Florida beach, speak out: “When we go to the beach, we think of water safety. And this never, ever once crossed my mind."
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[@LeafsAndCars]

The fact that Sloan's parents were also concerned about the state of mind of bystanders who tried so hard to help tells you a lot about their humanity!!

[@mysteriousjz]

That was just a photo op for the camera

[@LeafsAndCars]

@@mysteriousjz where's your PROOF? I've been around long enough AND personally have experienced THEIR kind of grief!! The LAST THING on their minds is a "PHOTO-OP""! THEIR CONCERNS ARE QUITE GENUINE!! WTF is wrong with you?

[@mysteriousjz]

@@LeafsAndCars grief is overwhelming for your child. You wouldn't have time to think of others what they witnessed or not. You would be focused on the pain the deceased sufferred, not have a clue about the onlookers gathered for a show. Acting as hero, Profiting from tragedies, and bathing in spotlight are hallmarks of American culture.

[@SwaggerChiick1]

​@@mysteriousjz wow you're sick! That is absolutely untrue. The fact that 1) you're incapable of empathy when you're going through something bad and 2) you're unaware that people are different, is ALARMING.

[@LeafsAndCars]

@@mysteriousjz based on WHAT EVIDENCE??

[@summerlavey6091]

The mom saying "Sorry" has to be the most heartbreaking thing ever to hear from someone who lost a child to a complete accident

[@loomonda18]

That was such a sad thing to hear....even in the midst of this tragedy, she is the one pouring comfort out to others

[@Goodgrief44]

Bless these parents hearts

[@Goodgrief44]

Bless these parents hearts❤

[@rozalina531]

Heartwrenching 🙏🏻✨️💕🕯

[@_AmikaC_]

That absolutely GUTTED me!!!

[@justice4all977]

"Life is about Love, kisses, hugs, and songs" - Sloan Ill always remember that

[@maggielobo-rk5nv]

❤so sweetly said the truth by an angel. God has got an Angel in heaven❤ may her beautiful soul RIP🙏

[@HomeHome664]

❤

[@HomeHome664]

❤

[@_Killinit_]

That is going to stick to me forever too

[@PetMama1313]

Yup. Great way to rememer her by.

[@momomba]

i hope the brother doesn’t let the grief get to him. i’ve heard of sibling accidents happening and the other sibling thinking it should have been them in place of the other. love to all involved

[@user-yn9mx7xu1r]

Yes, it is called “survivor’s guilt.”

[@霧裡探花水中望月]

Poor kid. He is definitely changed forever. I feel so very sorry for him.

[@Christina_320]

I don’t wish this even on an enemy. Parents never get over their child’s death. Deepest and most sincerest condolences.

[@Jennnn24567]

They should have been watching

[@GlennaVan]

@@Jennnn24567 Should have - could have. Words. Honestly, would YOU consider a child could dig a hole in the sand deep enough to be buried in? Honestly!

[@detroit_girl]

@@Jennnn24567they were. They were right there. Go back and listen to the interview.

[@Christina_320]

@@kknn523 Stop shaming the mother. What is the matter with you? People like you, are what make this world such an awful place. Be kind. You need to give grace.

[@Christina_320]

@@Jennnn24567 They were, they said It themselves. Sometimes things like that happen in the blink of an eye. Even if they were there.

[@HZDAloyRules]

The mom apologizing to the beachgoers who witnessed it absolutely broke my heart. Even in her anguish and agony of losing a child she’s still thinking of others. Her daughter would be so proud of her selfless and brave mom and dad. ❤

[@timeghostband9594]

I think it just reveals her guilt complex over her daughter's death. (The mind always gives itself away.) Poor lady.

[@programmingwithmesh1285]

@@Hannari-xt6nr You must have not watched the video. The parents didn't blame anybody else. They thanked everyone else and even said sorry to everyone else who had to witness such a traumatic event. They also did monitor their children. They just did not know how fragile sand walls could be. They said when the sand walls crashed it happened in an instant. They now hope to warn other parents so others do not have to go through the same tragedy.

[@Broken_Cracka]

@@timeghostband9594I just don’t know how those children dug a “several feet deep” hole that men couldn’t get to the bottom of. How long were they digging? Did they have trowels? Did they have a backhoe? What kind of kids are these?

[@DianaLynn45]

@Broken_Cracka. Replies above stating a man that had been there before them dug a huge hole and didn't properly cover it. That was my first thought also, and it makes sense.

[@mollyprysunka7741]

Reminded me of Chris Watts’ mother crying about how traumatized all the first responders were to recover the bodies of the little girls in such a horrific state.. 😔😢

[@YouTuber-dz5kc]

If that was my child, I wouldn’t be able to sit still and talk about the tragic day without losing it. They are strong! Rip

[@movingforwardfco1587]

What pain you can see. My lands. Thanks to them for sharing for others.

[@jazzlover9050]

It just happened they r still in shock. The pain gets horrific as time goes on

[@BuckyBarnesNC]

Yeah I can’t imagine.

[@BuckyBarnesNC]

@@movingforwardfco1587huh?

[@JJ-kf4kc]

Agree. But they have another child and have to move on and parent that child and many times it helps the grieving process by being and acting normal and speaking about it....

[@drkatel]

These poor parents (and big brother). It’s unbelievably courageous of them to share their tragedy despite unspeakable grief in an effort to help others. 🙏🏼

[@manana6646]

THIS 🙏❤!!!! Perfectly said!! And to think about the fact that the brother witnessed it all is so heartbreaking 💔I don’t live near a beach but I had never heard of such a tragedy. It should be common knowledge and needs to be warned! I’ve just read that more people die from sand burial suffocation than from shark attack

[@paulak9871]

I am SO SO SO heartbroken for this girl, I didn’t know about the danger of digging at the beach, these parents are so strong to put themselves out there to educate others. Thank you.

[@yvonnerahui8729]

The child will be safe & happy in God's care..its the parents who are 💔. Sadly they never knew too & that's why they want others to know. What a wonderful way to honor their daughter. And tragically..the hole from what I've read here, was already dug earlier.

[@meurumtrain4747]

I mean I don’t think any of us did. This is practically unheard of.

[@2Good2B4Gotten4Real]

I didn't know either

[@weirdshort_YT]

It happens pretty regularly. Google it.

[@jessicaely2521]

Seriously? It's sand. Sand collapses if you dig a big enough hole. Sand is holy s@#t heavy. Is this only common sense for Floridians, California's, basically states that have a beach? I do admit my brother and I did dig holes when we were kids, but it was only the length of our arm and wide enough for our butt to fit in it. We did bury each other also, but our butt went in the hole and touched the bottom, and we used sand from the beach to bury each other. It was only enough to not see our legs, arms, stomach, and chest.

[@danibel85]

"Life is all about love; its about kisses, hugs, and songs". Rest in peace angel baby 🕊💗

[@caitlinmyriah7657]

Oh, my heart!! 🥺

[@AdamPritchard-pc6qo]

That picture in the end: She's in heaven with Jesus! Rip: Sloan. For that you impacted the world with your kindness, love and limitless joy.

[@sweeteypie590]

The whole video was very touching. This part, from their daughter hit me hard. At 7 years old and she's speaking about love, hugs and kisses. Tells you she was being raised by great parents. I wish some adults would learn how to be humble.

[@dianealarcon8304]

You said it Sloan! 🙏🏻🪦☮️

[@natashab3412]

Her words should be added to that incredibly powerful photo of the light ray 💞

[@maryperry1773]

3:50 “life is about love, and it’s about huggings and chances, and songs”, what a sweet little girl, omg

[@sonneversets3530]

*“Kisses”,* not chances. But yes, quite the sweetheart. Loved that pic of the beam of light from the sky. Sloan is definitely w/our Savior, Jesus now, & forevermore. May her devastated family realize that fact & find Jesus comfort & Peace that surpasses all our understanding, to carry them through. ♥✝🕊

[@Avocadomushroom]

🙏🏻🫶🏼🥺

[@Linda-oc2zh]

beautiful little angel

[@tmartinez1948]

😔

[@KimBrush]

Do you know who wrote this? I love it!

[@Ash-kb9hn]

Wow! I’m so glad the person who took that picture shared it with the parents. That’s crazy.

[@Tryp-j9d]

FAKED!

[@Sunnydreamer1470]

I live on this beach right near the tragedy and it has affected all of us very deeply. Most of us are retired and have grandchildren. We have set up a Go fund me for thos family and are discussing having life guards now. We hold Sloan in our hearts forever .

[@no-uhuh]

Very sweet of your guys community. May you all find peace and Sloan rest in it

[@veronicadavila569]

And as someone else that lives near the beach, I have never seen young kids their age able to dig that deep. Six feet? They couldnt even get the sand out of the hole. Neither one of them were tall enough.

[@2010redshift]

Here in Australia, we don't have people living on the beaches. We do have camping/caravan parks right next to beaches. But, still, not "on" the beach per say. I have not been to the States, but would move there just to be living on a beach.

[@kstizz2686]

@@veronicadavila569what do you mean by that ?? I am a little confused on this story. So were the kids just digging and the ground pretty much collapsed like quicksand ?? Or did the kids dig way too deep and the sand go over top of them ??

[@veronicadavila569]

@kstizz2686 the hole was over 6 ft deep. The kids were like 4 ft tall. How did they continue to dig 2 more ft deep and get sand out. Yes the hole started to cave in because the top was not opened wide enough. They grabbed the boy out because he was taller. The little girl was shorter, they couldnt hold on as the sand collapsed.

[@TOPDadAlpha]

I can't think of anything more devastating for parents. RIP little one

[@rozalina531]

🙏🏻 🕯 🙏🏻 🕯

[@carmarasmussen8118]

It is absolutely the worst kind of pain. Having been there many years ago, my heart breaks for this family. But the photo at the end, my goodness, that was spectacular ❤

[@donkey3187]

Stop saying RIP as if that makes anything better. She doesnt exist anymore. You have to exist to rest or be at peace.

[@sarahmelissa4253]

@@donkey3187 people can say what they want, don't like it? Move on.

[@LadyAtheOnly]

@@sarahmelissa4253 💯🎯💯🎯The audacity and ignorance of some individuals is astounding.

[@meshelleharris222]

Y'all have no idea how much strength it took to get up and talk about this. Prayers for peace.

[@JAJJABLOG]

I thought the same!

[@T.R.27]

You're right. I can't even imagine.

[@SAINTxSZN]

Give me a billion dollars and maybe ill care.

[@meshelleharris222]

​@@SAINTxSZN​ I wouldn't give you a dime friend. I don't care if you care or not. When you suffer your karma you'll get it.

[@dawnjackson2190]

​@@meshelleharris222 don't waste your thoughts on that person Saint something.. you can tell what side of the Universe "it" plays on !!

[@debbiesperspective]

Such good hearted people. Even through their grief, they manage to be so considerate of others.

[@Manila-wo3pi]

I had no idea this was even possible! My child and I do this all the time and think the deeper the better. We are watching this in horror now and will never do it again! Our hearts are broken for this family. We thank you so much for sharing your story and informing other families.

[@deborahdash7328]

No deeper than their knees. Kids can die even if the sand only comes to their chest. The weight of the sand constricts the lungs every time they breathe out like being wrapped by a snake.

[@slydoll7877]

Its a common problem but there are cases in the news regularly...we had one in the UK, there've been Australian and American cases.

[@lorettachestnut5605]

You ​@@slydoll7877😅

[@Pauoso0912]

I did that so much as a child with my dad a hole big enough for me to fit for fun 😢

[@robertwalker5521]

I read about that in a science class. It's called : 'gravity'.

[@ronnycee7649]

Never heard of sand holes, thank you for sharing this. Praying for Sloan’s family.

[@lorenamarrero]

It was the children who dug a hole so deep that the walls of it collapsed in on them while they were inside the hole. The mother sadly feels responsible for not having foreseen that hindsight-logical outcome, and that's why she apologizes to the other beach goers who witnessed the tragedy. I pray the parents find peace and comfort.

[@reshmaanand1889]

​@lorenamarrero thnx for explaining ..I too had no idea what a sand hole was.

[@Jonny-wt3rg]

I do excavation for work with heavy equipment. If a trench is over 5' deep with vertical walls, it's an illegal trench for the workers. OSHA will give out serious fines for that. However a 20' deep trench can be dug, perfectly safe, if the walls are sloped properly. The trench they were playing must have had vertical walls. Even a 3' deep trench can kill someone if they're lying down or on their knees, especially a kid.

[@PureDivineMerry]

When I worked with Excavation we had to dig through sand for utilities and anytime doing trenches that were above the waist, to chest height for working in potential danger of a sand cave in there legally had to be a trench box put in place for a man to be working in the whole. No exceptions.

[@gigimanahan2227]

​@@lorenamarreroso it 8s parents mistake, where are they when their kids was digging that deep already, if you will bring your kids on vacation, especially with this kind of activity, you must keep your eyes on your kids for safety

[@Miss.831]

My boyfriend lost his teen son in a drowning accident on the beach. A hide tide came out of nowhere and knocked him off the rocks/hill area and fell and hit his head on the rocks below and drowned. I can still hear my boyfriend’s cries and screams the day we found out. I know the road ahead is such a hard one for this family and my heart truly breaks for them. I’m sending all my love to them. ❤

[@Dogscatsbikes]

Your story breaks my heart. I wish you guys the best and healing.

[@L32C-yg9hm]

Humans do not belong in the water.

[@kaioiamo1503]

They let them dig a 6 ft hole

[@manichairdo9265]

It was already there. ​@kaioiamo1503

[@Augfordpdoggie]

i lost my wife and daughter in a drunk driving accident, the other driver was drunk, not my wife. its been 20 years, i still havent recovered, and i never will. Just know that- sometimes out of nowhere, you will see your boyfriend, be sad all of a sudden, some things will trigger him-its completely normal.

[@Sara-rb4bh]

I would never think of this as a risk, and think this family is doing a remarkably brave and important thing in sharing this with others. They are clearly wonderful and caring parents and my heart goes out them in the loss of their sweet girl.

[@sjackson5980]

Not sure I ever had the desire to dig a hole in the sand. Make a castle, yes. I was concerned when that mom said "water & safety" I was concerned. Water is not safe.

[@awhatsname]

​@@sjackson5980 The mom meant "water safety" in the sense that parents know to be extra vigilant around water. Like "bike safety" is wearing a helmet. The mom meant that she had water safety on her mind at the beach, but didn't know she needed to worry about sand safety too.😢

[@kimmieh8419]

@@awhatsname Yes, I believe that's how she meant it, also.

[@ahavens2463]

It happens several times each year in different coastal Beach towns. More common than you think.

[@debihorton6807]

It's heart warming to see real people not pointing fingers to find someone to blame.

[@colap3848]

Right?! Why do the worst things seem to always happen to the best people? You can tell they raised their children with integrity and love, and taught them to be kind, good souls in a world full of dishonest, selfish, materialism. That beautiful little girl should have grown up to be a wonderful woman, mother, etc... Such a waste. I can't even begin to imagine the pain and trauma of losing a child this way. They probably planned and looked forward to this trip, only to be blindsided like that . May her soul live on in the light and continue to show her family she is still living on, beyond the physical world.

[@samanthasorg7980]

There’s plenty of that going on in some of these comments. It’s disgusting.

[@chateaupig826]

Blame 🤔 , ?? Who ? What ? .. the sand 🤔

[@vigilante8374]

@@samanthasorg7980There's a middle ground between extreme negligence and it being 100% not the parents' fault. It *is* negligent--to some degree--to allow a little kid to dig in a sand hole so deep that it's twice her height. Sand collapses suddenly; that's just what sand does. Only if the parents had never been to the beach or played in a sandbox in their entire lives could they maybe be held completely blameless here. They made a mistake and they deserve sympathy but this was a REALLY bad mistake to make. It was not some sort of "freak accident" like some people are claiming. This is what sand *always* ends up doing if you keep on digging and digging.

[@chrislangdon5473]

That is because it is their sad fault. They were right there. They saw how deep their kids were digging and did not think anything of it. This is not the only time something like this has happened. It has happened a couple of times along the Outer Banks.

[@dalesteves3548]

Love her beautiful little quote, "Life is all about love....and it's about kisses and huggin's and songs". What a precious little girl she was! May the light from her soul continue to shine down upon all those whose lives she touched. Rest Peacefully Among the Stars, sweet Sloan.

[@brendajohnson5975]

I can't even begin to imagine the quiet and stillness in their home without Sloan. Her heart and energy remind me of my own bright and energetic 6yo girl who has a huge heart and loves to sing and dance from the moment she wakes

[@rebeccakannemeyer5560]

❤The strongest massage to all Parents around the world 🌍🌎🌍 Is Looking after your Little Angeles Kids Lord Jesus Christ Allah ABA Father Did Give you with many Great Love Hug's Mother Father's Because For now Is Tears And Prayers To Late ❤??? My deepest sympathy condolences to The Parents And Family May her Little Soul rest in peace ❤

[@Jane-uz6vu]

She was so pretty❤🎉😊

[@nadiariggs5110]

This 💔💔💔. I have a 7yo and 3yo girls and they are constant light and joy in the house. The quiet must be DEVASTATING 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@lawariskarachi148]

What happened to you people.. You people can feel the pain of the death of this beautiful and innocent prices and angel. But why you people can't see and feel the pain of the innocent children killed in Philistine.

[@claireashley427]

​@@lawariskarachi148Who is "you people?" And who said no one cares about those kids? Any children dying is tragic. No one here mentioned that situation though. Why are you bringing it up and calling random strangers out whose hearts you do not know? Also I assume you meant Palestine.*

[@rjy44]

Broke out in tears the moment the father smiled when he was asked how they want Sloane to be remembered. I can't imagine losing a family member much more a young daughter. Praying for healing for the family and all those affected.

[@michaelvandyne6480]

What a sweet little girl. RIP baby. My heart is with her parents.

[@affordableslay]

These parents sitting here and not falling apart is the truly strongest thing I’ve seen in quite awhile❤

[@megansamps]

usually parents are medicated after a tragic loss like this :*( :*(

[@doberchic]

They're probably still in shock and trying to process it all.

[@jennacarroll9200]

I would think they're getting some relief from medication. I would need to be.

[@Donna-vh5ym]

​@doberchic // I know when I was on the news talking about my son, I kept telling myself not to lose it because it wouldn't help and I wanted to get my story out there, but my goodness, once the cameras went away...I was a total mess. It breaks my heart knowing any parent has to go through the horrific pain of losing a child. Nothing compares.

[@louniece1650]

​@@Donna-vh5ym❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@anairasoul6139]

That poor baby girl and her brother… my heart breaks for them. She lost her life and he lost his best friend. Those parents lost a part of their souls. She was such a beautiful soul. God please cover and protect this family to trust your process and grant them some sense of peace and acceptance.

[@wubbied4575]

Irresponsible parents. They should be ashamed.

[@ranizeltvay]

@@wubbied4575so should yours for creating such a hateful human 👎

[@SarahAllenHumboldt]

You are the one who needs to have some appropriate shame; you have none.@@wubbied4575

[@kayerk]

It was an accident, dummy

[@frmacst108]

@@wubbied4575ur awful

[@fbdaddyissues]

I send prayers to this family. I’m a parent. This totally made me cry, I never even thought about this as a danger. Thank you for educating. May this little Angel, rest in peace.

[@ellencox8415]

When the mom apologized to everyone involved who tried to save her... that broke me. I get all of the cut aways. She is able to make it through one sentence at this point and then the grief comes back. Your daughter was a blessing on Earth. The heavens get to experience her blessing now.

[@pinchebruha405]

We can only imagine…we will all lose loved ones, all I can say is that a sudden loss is so much harder to deal with let alone comprehend. In this case just trying to understand the who what why and where of what happened will haunt you

[@invisibleme5]

@marilynwillett804Seriously?! 🙄 They lost their daughter. Try to stay focused on what’s important here.

[@Vinny-no9bd]

​@@johne6562And why should we listen to you? On what authority and standard are you speaking? How do we know you're right if there's no right and wrong in atheism?

[@judithshelton5655]

The parents seem like really lovely, gentle, and kind people. Lots of love to them.

[@leevan2332]

Its sad they lacked common sense!

[@bigdaddytrips6197]

The parents are morons

[@FeezFBaby]

@@leevan2332Stfu smh. A lot of ppl didn’t even kno that a hole in the ground on a beach can do that. U shud be ashamed of urself for sayin that to this poor couple who lost a daughter to a horrible accident. Karma remembers all & it’s a real bitch when she comes to collect 💯💯💯

[@debbiebramwell]

​@leevan2332 wow, aren't you nice. You need Jesus.

[@debbiebramwell]

Yes they do. They seem like great people unlike the one who posted above me.

[@JamminOnThe1]

As a parent, you just know that tragedy happens every day and one can only be grateful for the moment we’re in. Sending so much blessing to this family.

[@BlackCrow7]

My condolences to this family. Prayers for all .🙏🏽

[@kimmieh8419]

I was holding it together until I saw the picture that kind person posted. Such a beautiful way to think about what it symbolizes. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Mattingly Family and their loved ones. RIP Sweet Sloan. May we all live by your words of wisdom.🙏🫶

[@christinaaa_xo]

Same. I teared up at the mom saying sorry, but that picture had me absolutely sobbing. That poor family. I truly can't imagine.

[@nicconway647]

People who go through tragedy like this and are strong enough to share to hopefully help someone else… that is huge.

[@upsidedowngrief]

Your daughter showed us your family values. It's all about love.... That's the strongest value. My hopes and prayers are that this value will carry you through your grief. Thank you to all the people who tried to help. Your actions showed Kindness and care. ❤

[@Yourmom22512]

@@kknn523stfu! As if accidents never happen. It’s not the parents fault! you idiot.

[@sonneversets3530]

​@@kknn523 You’re full of crap. It was 3’ & she never stated anything of the sort. Stop fantasizing & spewing your anger issues on others who are suffering. The world has too many w/your sad mentality. And it sure shows. SMH

[@sonneversets3530]

​@@kknn523 Wrong. Check the facts. And your anger issues. SMH

[@NihonKaikan]

Their actions showed stupidity and a lack of parenting skill.

[@larmstrong2302]

Such a sweet baby! "Life is all about love" her little voice is so cute! 😢❤

[@Jasmyn_Gyrl]

Maybr they could have another one...They still look young and can have snother bsby to replace the child they lost if that make things better.❤️ Or maybe they could adopt a little girl to fill this void.🩷 There are other options to replace or get around this incident.

[@melissachartres3219]

Actually... she was 7 years old.

[@ninifire4282]

@@Jasmyn_Gyrlthere’s absolutely no “replacing” a child or lost loved one

[@SimpleThings888]

"Life is about love, kisses and huggins and music." Out of the mouth of babes. Condolences to the family.

[@shevystudio]

But not everyone of us have love though 😢

[@narutofanz85]

My heart cries for these parents. So sorry for your loss, it's truly heartbreaking. May God ease your pain.

[@Justme0528]

I'm literally a 32 year old man crying after work watching this! I can't imagine the pain of these parents and her brother! That poor poor baby girl. I literally have a 9 year old son and 7 year old daughter myself. My daughter has the same personality and is ironically a huge swifty herself... this hit different for me. I'm so so sorry for your loss. May your baby girl rest in peace and my deepest condolences are sent to you. 🙏 God Bless you all.

[@Ruzee923]

As a 32 year old man please tune into Al Jazeera & TRT TV

[@JAJJABLOG]

I cried too! It hit different for me as well! I have a 9 year old son, soon to be 10 and a daughter that just turned 8 last month and my daughter too has the same personality & is a Swifty! Rest in Heaven sweet girl! Prayers for the family & give them strength during this time 🙏🏽

[@Ytbkt]

❤ God bless you and your beautiful family

[@anagomez5461]

Que fue lo que pasó, alguien me puede ayudar 😢

[@TheBooklyBreakdown]

Your name is June … that’s not a man’s name …

[@beadams18]

Prayers for this Family, She looked and sounded like an Angel. Life is about Love, Hugs & Kisses!

[@billybob-ro6qf]

& Jesus is the greatest LOVE of all. We all need to be saved & serving GOD

[@Mimi2thebestboysever]

​@@billybob-ro6qfAMEN!!!

[@billybob-ro6qf]

@marilynwillett804 we all have an appointed time to die. Simply her time. She is with God now. Forever LOVED & protected safe in His arms. Praise JESUS!

[@russia4biden221]

You clout chasing prayers do nothing for anyone, just keep your mouth shut

[@billybob-ro6qf]

@@russia4biden221 Prayer changes EVERYTHING! God can do more in a minute prayer than man can do alone in an entire lifetime! Many of my prayers have been answered. I've even had some of my prayers answered while I was in the middle of praying! That's how GOOD GOD IS! Years ago, I prayed for God to help me back up a trailer to load up a doghouse to move from my garage to the dog pen. I'm horrible at backing up trailers & prayed for help. God answered my prayer above & beyond what I asked or thought. Before I was done praying my neighbor came over to see what I was doing & offered to help. I asked him to back up my trailer. And right after we got the doghouse on the trailer & started trying to get it into my dog pen my brother pulled in the yard unexpectedly. My brother & neighbor told me to get out of their way & they both put in the doghouse for me! A prayer & day I will NEVER forget. And God has also answered many other of my prayers & I've firsthand seen healing MIRACLES done in both my life & in many around me. PRAYERS DO WORK & GOD IS STILL IN THE MIRACLE WORKING BUSINESS!!! No one can tell me or convince me otherwise. I will Praise & Worship GOD till my dying day & then when I get into Heaven, I will continue to Worship Him throughout all ETERNITY HALLJEUAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@triciastreasury]

My dad has always warned us kids not to dig holes in the sand. He now says it over and over about my kids digging holes. They should place signs on all beaches not to dig or bury themselves. It's a scary world. Absolutely heartbreaking this happened 💔

[@NessD85]

Was your dad an engineer by any chance? Even more a Geo Tech on. My husband is a Geo Tech engineer and works on levees and everything to do with soil. He knew of this danger. But gosh, I would have never without his knowledge.

[@daniapples]

I would never have known this.. it’s just a thing kids do 😭

[@rebeksyo]

Same here. Not blaming the parents at all. We grew up in the desert, around a lot of homes being built, my parents made sure we were terrified of holes dug in the ground

[@danaking3568]

Is it a matter of how deep?

[@katerinamik2877]

@@danaking3568they said that in the video 3:00

[@WarriorWomann]

From one parent who has lost a child to another, praying for these parents to find peace, purpose and to honor their precious girl in all they do 😔 ❤

[@MeMe3-v9x]

My condolences to you also ma’am❤

[@WarriorWomann]

@@MeMe3-v9x thank you 🙏🏻

[@carriesummers3471]

I’m very sorry for your loss of your child. I pray God comforts you! ❤💔

[@sst6358]

I’m so sorry sending you Love and prayers ❤

[@Owlsworthy]

❤

[@QueenEmrld]

I am so heartbroken for this family, she seemed like a beautiful young lady and I can tell that she was raised under a roof of love and kindness. My condolences to the family.

[@thomasprim8274]

How did this happen?

[@elainehenning1387]

I have never heard of dangerous sand holes. This tragedy will be informative for so many parents. My heartaches for this family. I can’t imagine their pain. RIP Sloan 👼

[@bonniejohnson1236]

Oprah had guests on her show years ago talking about unexpected dangers. This was one of them and I never forgot it.

[@pamelasmith6221]

There have been so many cases of this happening. I thought it was common knowledge.

[@C-Weegs]

@@pamelasmith6221 the majority of people sadly don’t have common sense…

[@morganw_]

Me niether, I've never heard of it and been on tons of beaches. They never warn of this on beaches on signs anywhere, you don't learn it at school. This is crazy!

[@sonyagraske376]

We're they just digging in the sand, like so many people do at the beach? Or was it a hole Sloan just fell into? I am kinda confused. Tragic and so very sad😢

[@jennifercastillo2365]

I’m so sorry for their loss. I’m glad they shared their story because I didn’t even know about the dangers of the sand. This is so heartbreaking.

[@gregwatkins5980]

I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful child and I'm sure she has touched a lot of hearts.

[@mamawfrancy]

There aren't enough words to ease their pain but I'd like to give them a big ole hug..to hear mom say Sorry was heartbreaking. Sending them heartfelt love & prayers for peace.

[@Jasmyn_Gyrl]

I wanna cry 😢 Maybe they could have another one...They still look young and can have snother bsby to replace the child they lost if that make things better.❤️ Or maybe they could adopt a little girl to fill this void.🩷 There are other options to replace or get around this incident.

[@annaibarra3447]

A family that did everything to enjoy their time, for such a horribly and tragic accident. That ray of light from the sky is such a beautiful sign for the family. What a lovely and gracious family. I will keep them in my prayers. They are a humble family, during such a tragic time. God Bless them.

[@itsmiri9]

i’m sorry for their loss. sloan is a beautiful sweet girl. thank you for teaching us this

[@lindseyhavniear4548]

I’m bawling watching this. These poor parents & son. This is unimaginable

[@mamachicken1548]

I have never heard of sink holes in the sand. This story really brings awareness to others. So sorry for your tragic loss.

[@kimjones2056]

It’s not a sink hole. They dug a hole and in caved in on them.

[@swifty_bish]

@@kimjones2056​​⁠ It's not "and in caved in on them" Maybe you shouldn't be calling people out for not using the correct words.

[@wiseduppetridish]

No sink hole. Sand shifts. It was like digging a five foot hole in flour. Totally unstable material.

[@speaktruth9631]

​@@swifty_bishUm, she most certainly should call out words that aren't correct. This was certainly not a sink hole. It was a hole the children dug for hours and then collapsed.

[@liseklerekoper2441]

@@swifty_bish- Why did you make a choice to be nasty given the topic of this video? So uneccessary. Your comment implied this person was a careless idiot in her choice of words & I was immediately shocked. She said it was NOT a sinkhole …. only that it “caved in” on the kids. Why is that wording SO wrong in your mind? Especially when your last comment said almost the same thing but used the word “collapsed” vs. “caved in” Either way, the sand on the sides of the hole gave way & caved inward or collapsed inward. Both are accurate, so next time, please take a minute to breathe & check yourself before you rip in to someone you don’t even know, who did nothing wrong, & who had compassion for the kids & family. This is a tragic & heart-wrenching accident that you aggravated w/ such a nasty comment to a person who said nothing wrong really.

[@celesterosales8976]

5:19 sweetness added to grief. Thanks to everyone who jumped in to help. May this family be comforted and sustained. 🙏🏽

[@earthangel.k.]

The actual beam of light that stranger saw is such a sign from her residual energy🥺I’m glad her parents had the courage to open up🫂🫂🫂❤️❤️❤️

[@guadalupecompean3734]

The Spirit Goes Back to God who Gave it. Amen

[@guadalupecompean3734]

We are a Spirit, We Have a Soul, We Live in a Body. Our Spirit and Soul Goes to Heaven / Paradise The Body goes back to the earth from where it came from / the Body to Rest in Peace; No more worries, No more pain.

[@InkaPley]

This is so heartbreaking. Im in tears. Her parents are just beautiful souls. The fact that they are not blaming anyone and going public to prevent anyone else from experiencing such tragedy speaks very highly of their integrity. I am sending them the biggest hug ever.

[@lisathomas1622]

That’s such a shame. I appreciate you making sure other parents are warned.

[@JustASmallTownGirl85]

I had no idea this could happen my kids constantly dig holes in the sand I thought the water was the danger, they really could have just saved my 11 and 7 year old daughters😢. I will NEVER let them dig at the beach again. Rest is sweet peace beautiful Sloan, thank you❤

[@KayStevensScholerNPC4444]

My kids are older now but we use to dig like that…no idea. SO, sad. Omg.

[@chezellis]

Yeah, every few years or so, a child gets killed this way and then people forget. Even if a lifeguard had been there, Sloan would have died, because of how fast sand buries you.

[@cynthiaosborne6039]

This was a 6 foot hole. Those kids had help digging it. People just need to use common sense!

[@su-rv2uq]

@@cynthiaosborne6039 This is so true. Digging in the sand a bit is fine, having an adult dig a six foot hole, and let the kids get in it is completely wrong. Sand will always cave in. Dirt will cave in. Rock will cave in.

[@reign4723]

Yeah, I guess common sense told me as a kid not to dig a hole 3ft deep, let alone a 6ft deep hole like these parents. Geez. Guess that’s why there’s a million Warning labels on everything. Now we need one for the beach. Smh.

[@maychua3465]

So sorry for the loss of their beloved lovely daughter. Cannot help holding my tears when the mother told viewers of the incident...It was really so tough for the parents to go thru the tragedy. Hope they stay strong and blessed.

[@Liliarthan]

I have a 7yo daughter and am so thankful to hear about this risk before our upcoming trip to the beach. My heart broke for the pain this family is going through. And to speak out to inform others, knowing that there will be those who rush to judge or ridicule, is so incredibly brave and giving. Thank you for warning us. I’m so so sorry for this absolute tragedy and your loss of an amazing child 😔

[@Jasmyn_Gyrl]

They still look young and can have snother bsby to replace the child they lost if that make things better.❤️ Or maybe they could adopt a little girl to fill this void.🩷 There are other options to replace or get around this incident.

[@dianac113]

@@Jasmyn_Gyrllives are irreplaceable, let alone your children’s life. That is not a respectful and empathetic comment to do.

[@cross-eyedmary6619]

Guess you're not going to get on a highway with your 7 year old ever either, right? Since the chances are about 140 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than in a digging accident? You're poor daughter.

[@Sanakudou]

⁠@@Jasmyn_Gyrl Getting a “new” replacement is not how people heal from the loss of a child, I’m genuinely dumbfounded over the sheer insensitivity of that suggestion and just how casually you dehumanised the victim by making out the reproductive capabilities of the parents offsets the severity of the tragedy. A young child dies a horrible death and your words of comfort amount to “don’t worry, you can get a new one”.

[@moonprincessRN]

@@Jasmyn_Gyrl Wow. How insensitive. Another child cannot "replace" the one you lost. Our hearts do not work that way.

[@Oliveira.251]

You don’t have to be sorry ! We’re sorry for you ! We re sorry for your loss and I do wish you find the piece you need to keep going ! May God bless your days and gives ! As a mother my heart is broken Lots of love from Brazil

[@gigebea]

She’s an adorable little girl 🥹 may she rest in heavenly peace

[@Jasmyn_Gyrl]

Maybe they could have another one...They still look young and can have snother bsby to replace the child they lost if that make things better.❤️ Or maybe they could adopt a little girl to fill this void.🩷 There are other options to replace or get around this incident.

[@gigebea]

@@Jasmyn_Gyrl why would they want to replace a child?? She needs to remembered. They probably may have another kid cause it’s not the same without her. She was only 7 and she died for no reason.. it’s not gonna work and it won’t be easy to have a new child after. I know you mean well for them but you can’t say that

[@madwhitehare3635]

@@Jasmyn_Gyrl..she's not a puppy, a kitten or a rabbit.

[@sadaffatima5999]

These parents are so strong to be able to sit through this interview with composure. The empathy the mom had for bystanders that day broke my heart. I'm so sorry for their loss. May the little girl rest in eternal peace. ❤

[@bekahcalderwood1331]

Live how he says, "Strangers, if you see something dangerous, take the courage and say something." Also, the beam of light on the area where she was, ...so good and comforting.

[@FolkloreLover]

The reality of today is if you say something to someone it is seen as an attack and people lash out at you for it.

[@jenniferhorstmann2279]

Yes, if the diggers argue with you, you certainly have a real horror story to share to back up your warning!

[@amandahoerber4110]

My heart goes out to this family. I remember digging holes at the beach with my sisters when I was a kid. My mom warned us about someone falling in and twisting an ankle, but none of us would have ever thought something like this could have happened. May your light continue to shine bright, Sloan!

[@bobgteen6496]

Sooo...from childhood to adult..you're still dummy

[@joymiller2492]

I grew up in a beach town, this is not uncommon. I remember multiple incidents in just my home town.

[@ravenc4912]

​@@joymiller2492 I have been to the beach many times and have friend that lives close to beach town and I never heard of this happening or so much of common like you say. I never personally heard someone completely buried under the sand. But if course it can happen just like it can happen with dirt too also if you dig hole deep enough

[@jujutrini8412]

@@ravenc4912 My parents are from an island. My mother always warned us that this could happen. It is fairly common but I suppose “fairly common” is a subjective term. When I say it I mean older folks know of the dangers because they’ve had experience of this type of thing. I was shocked how many people on the comments did not know about it until this case. I guess that means they do need to put signage up as not everyone has an old relative who lived by the beach to tell them of the dangers.

[@Linda-oc2zh]

cute your what your mom said twist an anke

[@LaughterandJesus]

Oh my gosh! That beam of light. She went straight to heaven. I literally had tears in my eyes. I’m sad for her family because they miss her tremendously that we won’t understand but she is well taken care of in Heaven and one day they can be with each other again.

[@louskunt2641]

If god can send a beam of light, by that measure I suppose an all good and just deity could have simply saved her or prevented the tragedy? Yeah I know, god is mysterious. He traded a beam of light for that girl's life

[@buckeyeheirloomseeds]

OMG...I am so sorry, it's devastating for strangers... I just cannot believe how these precious parents are feeling! God Bless your Hearts and bring comfort.

[@DarleneHarris-s6h]

I’m so sorry you lost your precious, beautiful daughter. 😭. I’ve never heard of a sand hole that big.💖💕

[@melissachartres3219]

Yeah... bummer dude.

[@Catfcy]

My heart goes out to this lovely family losing their daughter so tragically. I don’t think many of us know the dangers of digging in sand.

[@madil5974]

These parents seem such nice and kind hearted pure souls...gosh i feel so horrible for them. Rest in peace 🙏🏼

[@theskiesthelimit-q2k]

Bless this sweet, sweet family.

[@isabellalekach2928]

I am so sorry for you loss. Thank you for bringing awareness

[@natfoz9953]

This broke my heart. Such a sweet family. May Sloane rest in peace, heavenly angel.

[@thomasprim8274]

Do you know where this was at? How did the hole sink in like that?

[@thomasprim8274]

I'm praying for family too

[@allbyhisgrace8925]

​@@thomasprim8274they said Florida

[@clandestineworm]

Thank you for speaking out, I'm so sorry for your loss. The mother's face lit up when she started talking about her sweet daughter.

[@Linda-oc2zh]

people are afraid to mention a dead person

[@juditrotter5176]

I’m so grateful for these parents for taking time to telling each of us how to assess the risk of the various beaches. I’d never heard the description of the depth of the hole and the size of the child. Please read to keep your child safe.

[@olir6910]

Poor angel may she rest in peace 🙏🏻

[@louisianagirl7430]

This hurt my heart. I must admit, I was oblivious to the dangers of sand until I heard of this tragedy! God bless this sweet family! 🥺💕

[@louskunt2641]

God could have stepped in before right??

[@Vinny-no9bd]

I am sincerely having a hard time agreeing with dangers of the sand because millions if not billions of people have been and are as we speak on the sand of beaches all over the world and this happened once in Ft. Lauderdale.

[@29mitzie]

So very sad. Large snow banks are also a danger when tunnels are built into them.

[@eileenmcdonald1599]

Yes very

[@01hondascott]

and snowplows. I am 40 now but when I was in grade 1 and little girl named Samantha was playing in the snowbank and a city plow came by with the big angle plow on the side that pushes the snowbanks back and killed her.

[@MNP208]

We always built tunnels and our parents never worried!

[@BluesSky]

Snow is much safer to tunnel into, snow melts and refreezes and becomes like concrete, sand is always unstable and liquid.

[@BluesSky]

@@MNP208 never seen a snow tunnel collapse and have been making and sleeping in them since I was in boy scouts in grade school. I’ve made snow caves that I’ve used as backcountry lodges at my powder stashes for entire winters. Just build high arches , heat up the inside for a while with just body heat, let it refreeze and its bombproof.

[@annetedder8202]

These are kind people. This was truly a tragedy.

[@tonkathemalamute]

Oh My Goodness I am So Sorry for your loss 😭🙏❣️ Thank you for sharing! It will definitely save lives 😭🙏❣️

[@JESUS._IS._KING246]

underrated comment

[@kimkimsan]

OMG this literally hit too close to home! 😥 I have a six-year old daughter, and we go to that exact beach often. I pray for that family and am thankful for this reminder. 💞

[@LilyGazou]

Make sure you and your family know how to spot rip currents and know how to get out of one. Ask a lifeguard to explain.

[@Eliza_Stew]

These are strong parents. I’m so sorry for their loss. It’s not their fault. It’s not their fault. It’s. Not. Their. Fault.

[@MISNM0]

❣❣❣❣❣❣

[@Jennnn24567]

Yes IT IS THEIR FAULT

[@jennyblue42]

​@@Jennnn24567You are a horribly person. Be ashamed of yourself.

[@queerdo]

@@Jennnn24567 how?

[@majeedamurtaza6748]

My heart goes out to this family. Sloan was such a beautiful little girl. She will always be with you, she's your guardian angel.😢

[@ericriley7777]

What a thoughtful and lovely couple, and a radiant little girl. I am so sorry for their loss. Just colossal.

[@SleepyArcticBirds-ft4lb]

This is a personal story that needed to be shared. I live on the east coast of Florida and had no idea that this could happen. Digging holes in the sand is one of those activities children really enjoy. For those of us that weren’t aware of these tragedies, now we know😢❤🙏

[@Linda-oc2zh]

I live in Daytona beach Fl for past 35 yrs and never heard of this at the beach all over the rest of Fl sink holes yes we had a man who was swallowed up in his bed in the middle of the nite they had to call off search to dangerous

[@MoonMoon-fx1op]

Same.

[@C-Weegs]

You’re obviously a parent with no common sense either… for crying out loud.. wake up….

[@SleepyArcticBirds-ft4lb]

@@C-Weegs What a mean comment. Not everyone here knew about this‼️And NO, I’m not a parent because unfortunately, I’m a paraplegic.

[@MoonMoon-fx1op]

@@C-Weegs who pissed in your cereal this morning? Lol

[@legacydouglas2821]

I love that we got to learn about her. Not just headlines and difficult questions for the parents. I'm glad they shared her with us❤️

[@mg4468]

Ugh… my heart aches for this family. Sweet precious gift will forever be in their hearts. RIP

[@GeorgiaPeach22]

I shared this with all my family & friends as they all go to the beach every weekend, I'm so sorry for your loss 😢 Thank you for sharing her story, I know it will save lives, God bless you 🙏❤️🙏

[@Sawpainter_td]

Wow! I have yet to hear someone discuss such a tragic event with such kindness and respect for the family and all involved as you just did. You presented this in an enlightening way to people and with sincere concern and kindness to the parents... that was palatable to all of us who watch this.

[@tatertownthrift7333]

The most heartbreaking thing I have heard. What an angel, and praying for peace for this family❤️

[@nanapinkra]

As a mother of a toddler, I'd like to say 'thank you' for sharing your story. I can't imagine the pain you're going through, and i appreciate you taking the time to educate other parents and families. ❤😢

[@yakimasarah]

So very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your grief and letting us know the dangers.

[@willowroundtree-ross2167]

Heart breaking but a story that need’s to be shared. 🙏🏽

[@rozalina531]

🙏🏻✨️💕🕯

[@tclarichknipp7206]

I saw the news about this beautiful family a week before I went to Miami. My husband and I were on the beach and next to us were a few teenagers. The teenagers were digging in the sand and I looked at my husband and said “I hope they don’t dig too deep”. Within 5 minutes the hole was pretty deep and I said to my husband (kinda loud) “ Did you see that story of the children digging in the sand and the walls collapsed? I said “ the young didn’t make it! I just wanted the young group to think about what might happen. They just looked at me and kept digging. I know teenagers think it won’t happen to them, I know because I had 3 of them and now 2 grandchildren who are teenagers. My daughter and her 2 young children were on that same beach just days before this happened and her children are about the same age as these 2 young children. It’s just scary because we worry about the water and really don’t worry too much about them in the sand. This is an eye opener!! I’m so sorry for your loss of such a beautiful daughter and pray your son will be ok.

[@NomadicIslanders]

A college student died last year from the same thing.

[@gigih1176]

​@NomadicIslanders do you know where? Same place ?

[@crh251]

@@gigih1176, there was a 17 year old boy who died the same way in May of last year on the coast of North Carolina near the town of Frisco.

[@DavidHill-812]

I can not imagine what they are going through. God bless this family. 🙏

[@dominped23]

Very brave of the parents to speak up. Thank you for sharing this message with us parents. My sincerest condolences

[@harleyloves3572]

This made me cry so hard. I have a daughter and son and I can’t imagine their pain, just a beautiful family that has to deal with such a tragedy. May she rest in peace. 💛

[@WineberryScorpio]

Me too so sad😢😢😢

[@legacydouglas2821]

I was never allowed to dig deeper than my knees as a kid. I thought it was so beyond ridiculous, but now that im older, I understand. I'm so devastated for this family. I hope the parents remember that her last day was filled with smiles and laughs with sunshine kissing her skin.

[@peppernelson5113]

I can only hope that this family educates more people to be more aware and diligent and more responsible so this doesn’t happen to any other child.

[@thomasprim8274]

Do you know how this happened?

[@LouieTingkingco]

I’m no connected to this family but i am in tears. Sending hug and love. May this angel rest in peace 🤍🌹🙏

[@SuOrChristy]

I am praying for you. I lost a son last year and sent your video to my daughter. Only God knows how many lives you are saving with this message. May He comfort you.

[@patriciav.1891]

Ive never ever imagined this thing could happen. Im so sorry for her and for them. She was so lovely. ❤ Praying for them from Brazil 🙏🏻

[@Monica_Roche]

As a mother, and now a grandmother, my heart breaks for this family. May God give you the peace and comfort only He can. Fly high precious angel💕🕊️

[@velshock]

Truly heartbroken for these parents, I can’t begin to imagine their grief

[@Imacinabonlover]

I'm so sorry for your loss. This is so terribly heartbreaking for both of you. The parents and brother are in my thoughts and prayers.