Hey Growmie,
This is a classic case of damping off, a common issue affecting seedlings. It’s caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens that attack young plants at the base of the stem, usually when conditions are too moist and there isn’t enough airflow. The thin, pinched stem you’re seeing is a clear sign of this. It often stems from overwatering, poor soil drainage, high humidity, or using old, unsterilized soil. Weak lighting can also make seedlings stretch and become more vulnerable. Once a seedling has fully damped off and collapsed, unfortunately, it can’t be saved. I had to learn the hard way, too, but with a few small adjustments, you can avoid this from happening again.