He was buried completely in sand for 15 minutes 😰

A young father has tragically died after being trapped under a collapsing sand dune at **Muriwai Beach, near Auckland, New Zealand**.

**Kane Watson, 28**, was visiting the beach on Saturday, August 23, with his 18-month-old daughter and three stepsons when the incident occurred. According to reports, Watson had been digging and playing in the sand with the children when a dune suddenly gave way, burying him headfirst. Witnesses said he cried out for help but remained trapped for around 15 minutes while his children ran to find assistance.

Emergency teams managed to dig him free and rush him to **Auckland City Hospital**, but despite their efforts, he passed away the following day, August 24. Watson was also expecting a new baby early next year.

In the wake of the tragedy, University of Auckland lecturer **Colin Whittaker** warned of the dangers posed by unstable dunes. “If a large dune collapses, it can weigh as much as an elephant falling on top of you,” he explained, adding that digging someone out is extremely difficult because sand quickly fills in again.

Loved ones have described Watson as a devoted father and family man. A **Givealittle fundraising page** set up by friends remembered him as a “much-loved son, brother, partner and, above all, a devoted father.” Family friend **Kristalle Tayler** wrote: “His greatest joy was being with his children. Most heartbreakingly, his youngest child will never meet him, but will grow up hearing stories of the incredible man who loved them before they were born.”

His sister Shaquille told local media he was her “best friend” and “favorite person.”