Kane Watson, a 28-year-old father from New Zealand, has tragically died after a sand dune collapsed on top of him while he was digging and playing with his children at Muriwai Beach, near Auckland. The incident occurred on Saturday, August 23, while Watson was spending time with his 18-month-old daughter and three stepsons.
According to reports, the sand dune suddenly gave way, burying Watson headfirst. He was trapped for around 15 minutes before bystanders and rescue teams were able to dig him out. He was rushed to Auckland City Hospital but sadly passed away the following day, on Sunday, August 24.
Watson, who was expecting a baby with his partner, has been remembered as a devoted father, loving partner, and kind-hearted man. A fundraising page created by a family friend described him as someone whose greatest joy was being with his children, including those he cared for as his own. “Family was always at the center of who he was,” wrote Kristalle Tayler.
Tragically, Watson’s unborn child, due early next year, will never get the chance to meet him. “The suddenness of this accident has left Kane’s family shattered,” the post continued.
His sister, Shaquille, described him as her best friend and favorite person. “He was just an amazing dad,” Tayler added. “All he ever wanted was to have his own family, and it really does feel like the minute he got there, it was ripped away from him.”
In response to the accident, University of Auckland lecturer Colin Whittaker spoke to RNZ about the dangers of unstable sand dunes. “If a large section collapses, it can weigh as much as an elephant. It’s incredibly difficult to dig someone out, especially when time is critical.”
Watson’s death has not only devastated his family but has also served as a reminder of the hidden dangers that can come from natural landscapes like sand dunes, especially when children are nearby.