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

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!!

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. 🙏🏼

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.

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

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

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

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

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. ❤

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

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.

Thank you for talking about this and I’m so so sorry about your loss. This is such a devastating tragedy.

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.

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

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.

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

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. ❤

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

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.

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.

I was buried alive at age 5. I am writing about this experience hoping the parents, or someone who knows them, will pass this on to them. I was buried (by a bulldozer) in a freshly dug sewer trench (think a dirt grave about 4 1/2 feet deep). My 6 year old brother and I had been jumping in and out of the trenches and the bulldozer operator saw him but not me. He was tall enough to get out on his own but I had to take two steps forward and grab his hand but I was frozen in panic. I am telling this because the parents probably worry about what their beloved daughter went through in those final moments and I know, because I lived it. As the load of dirt covered me it was dark and I was terrified and suffocating. But that part didn't seem to last long. Suddenly I was out of that trench and curled up safely in fetal position in a reddish black dimly lit area (I always think of return to the womb because I don't know how else to describe it). But 3 things stand out as if it happened yesterday. I was fully conscious but I didn't need to breathe. To this day (I'm about to turn 68) I sometimes resent having to breathe. It seems so unnecessary and such an effort! And I felt like I was surrounded as far as consciousness could reach by what I can only describe as the deepest, most unconditional love. And thirdly, I felt SAFER than I have ever felt in this life, either before or after that incident. I grew up on the Canadian Prairies so it's not like I've led a dangerous life, but that feeling of safety, that literally nothing could ever harm me, remains tangible. And this is what I want to share with Sloan's parent. She may have had that short moment of panic/suffocation like me, but very quickly her Soul would have left her body. As I type this all those years later, I get very emotional remembering that bliss of being free. While I was destined to stay on Earth (despite being buried 20 minutes or more) Sloan was destined to journey with the Angels. I actually suspect that she didn't even go through that ever-so-brief moment of fear. She was just whisked away to where she's safe and loved and some day all her loved ones on Earth will join her. I never worry about loved ones who cross over, my concern is with those of us left behind. My beloved husband/best friend crossed over some years ago so I have an understanding of the depth of loss and heartbreak her parents are experiencing, but I thought (hoped) sharing my experience might help them understand that from Sloan's perspective, it wasn't bad like they might imagine. I carry no trauma residue of the event with me. I remember it as the only time in my life I've experienced absolute bliss. My deepest condolences to Sloan's family. 🙏🏻

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

Beyond heartbreaking. God bless that sweet angel and her poor family. 😔💔

I am so sorry for their loss this heartbreaking I shared this on my Facebook to help raise awareness I think everyone should share this

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

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

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 🙏❤️🙏

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

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.

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❤

❤🙏🏻🙌🏻 that picture is so wonderful ty to the person who captured it ❤. God Bless this family 🙏🏻

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

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.

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

I'm am so sorry for your loss of this beautiful little girl. You are amazing to share your story to help others. God bless❤

Poor baby girl, and I send my condolences. May your hearts find peace in this tragedy. Thank you for educating all in this hard memory. Bless your little angel and your hearts.

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 .

My parents never allowed us to dig in the sand or bury each other for this very reason. And when I had my own kids I never let them do it either.

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.

Absolutely heartbroken 💔 😢 sending prayers and Love to you

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

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.

Prayers and Blessings to this Family 🙏 Such compassion during this tragedy.

Thank you for coming here,RIP baby girl

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.

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

I'm so sorry for your loss! What a heartbreaking tragedy!

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

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.

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

This is so heartbreaking. No option but to cry when they show that sweet little girl alive and well on video. My heart goes out to them 💔

I am tearing watching this video ..... RIP little sweet angel. I know it took her parents a long time to heal this loss. Poor parents & big brother 😢

No one should have to go through that loss, but I keep thinking "6 foot deep hole" and wondering how it even got to that point.

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 😔 ❤

My heart goes out to this family. Thank you for helping us spread awareness and my sincere prayers are with your family as you navigate each day

This is heartbreaking 💔 May she rest on. Condolences to the family.

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

“ You don’t need to be sorry mom “ WE are sorry 😢💔🤦🏾‍♀️🙏🏾🙏🏾

My heart is absolutely broken for this family. What a beautiful little girl. There are not enough ways to tell them that I am so sorry this happened to their little girl and the rest of her family. I will keep you all in my prayers.

2am.... Im uncontrollably crying.. im so sorry for your profound pain and loss. RIP angel Sloan ❤❤❤

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 👼

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

So sorry for your loss. Sooper sad. She's a beautiful girl w a beautiful family.

This is an extremely important message. My prayers go out to the family and I thank you for having the strength to share your story 🙏❤️‍🩹

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

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.

My heart goes out to them and their son. I wouldn't have been able to compose myself as they did, and that picture shared at the end broke me. My hugs are sent to the Mattingly's

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your precious daughter. I'm thinking of your family and praying for you 🙏 ❤️

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

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. ❤

Beautiful parents and family, it shows where she got her bright spark from. I wish them all the best in recovering and moving on from this tragedy. Her message of love and joy is beautiful, it really is what life is all about. Smart girl, may her spirit live on. Rest in peace Sloan, keep fist-pumping in heaven.

Can't imagine the pain. Things can turn quickly in a second. My heart goes out to this family.

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

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

I am so sadden with your loss of your daughter. May God Bless you and give you peace. 😢

I’m so sad for you. This is truly something you would never think about happening. Thank you for sharing your story. I will be praying for healing and peace for you. I lost my daughter too in a different situation, so I know the devastation you are suffering. May God Bless your family.

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

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 😔

My heart breaks for this family. As a father I am in tears for them. Rest in peace sweet child. May God give them comfort ❤

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 💔

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.

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.

So sudden and traggic so sorry for your loss of light, the photo was amazing just remember her words of love is kisses , hugs and songs

Truly a sweetheart ❤.

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! 🥺💕

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

💔 So heartbroken for this family-and what a kind family. You can tell they are trying to handle this in the best way they can without resorting to anger, blame, etc.

I am so sorry for your loss, your daughter was precious, sending prayers and love to both of you and your son…😢

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!

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

So sorry for your loss. I could even imagine your pain and suffering. May God heal every place in your hearts that are broken.

My heart breaks for them. Sending prayers of comfort. I'm so sorry 🙏💔

Beaches can be very dangerous for families. Sun burns, dehydration, burns from the hot sand, being pulled out to sea, getting lost,drowning, jellyfish, sharks, sharp rocks, human predators, slippery surfaces and collapsing shores. Be prepared and teach your children about beach safety. Prayers for this family and praise for their endeavor to save others from this devastating tragedy. 🙏💕🙏💕

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.

My heart goes out to this family. As a parent and a nurse I have great memories of having fun digging in the sand with my son in the past, I NEVER thought of this before.

So so very sorry for your loss.. many prayers and healing vibes your way ✌️❤️🙏

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.

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

I’m so sorry for your loss, may god heal this family 😢

I am so sorry for your loss🙏. My husband an i have lived in Florida most our lives,we raised our children here we have been to the beach a over a 1000 times, we never thought about the sand doing that, but now that is on our minds every time💯.. I'm so sorry that it took your daughter to bring awareness to people.. We are praying for your family🙏 all our love and prayers...