Kane Watson was buried headfirst when a sand dune collapsed on him at Muriwai Beach in New Zealand – a horror accident which unfolded in front of his young children
It was supposed to be a fun, family day out at the seaside.
But what began as the happy trip for which the Watson family hoped ended as something from their worst nightmares. Four siblings, as young as 18 months, witnessed a sand dune collapse on dad Kane Watson – burying the young man headfirst.
Kane was trapped for 15 minutes at Muriwai Beach in New Zealand and, though emergency services freed him, he was later pronounced dead in hospital. The tragedy happened on Saturday afternoon as Kane, 28, played with his 18-month-old daughter and his three stepsons.
Following the man’s death at Auckland City Hospital on Sunday, tributes have been paid to him – and his family heartbreakingly confirmed he has a new baby on the way whom he will never meet.
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An investigation will be carried out on behalf of the coroner. Local media also report the tragic case should serve as a warning about sand dunes, which can become unstable and collapse in seconds for a variety of reasons. These include being cut by waves, vehicles driving over them, or people walking on them or digging into them.
It is unclear what exactly led to the sand dune on Muriwai Beach giving way but it is understood Kane, from New Zealand, had been playing in or near the dune on Saturday.
Kane’s sister Shaquille told local outlet Stuff that he was “her best friend, her favorite person.” She added the tragedy had “completely shattered her”.
A Givealittle fundraiser started by a family friend Kristalle Tayler describes Kane as a “much-loved son, brother, partner and, above all, a devoted father” who had a new baby on the way.
Kristalle continued: “His greatest joy was being with his children — not only his own, but also the kids he cared for and loved as if they were his own. Family was always at the very centre of who he was.
“Most heartbreakingly, his youngest child, due early next year, will never get to meet him, but will grow up hearing stories of the incredible man who loved them before they were born. The suddenness of this accident has left Kane’s family shattered.”
More than $13,000 (New Zealand dollars), which is around £5,500, has been donated so far on the Givealittle site. To donate, visit this link.