A tragic accident at Muriwai Beach near Auckland claimed the life of 28-year-old father of four, Kane Watson. While playing in the sand with his 18-month-old daughter and three stepsons on August 23, a dune suddenly collapsed, burying him headfirst. His children ran for help, but he reportedly remained trapped for about 15 minutes before rescuers could reach him.

Watson was dug out and rushed to Auckland City Hospital, where he died the following day, August 24. He was expecting another baby, making the loss even more devastating for his family.

University of Auckland lecturer Colin Whittaker warned that collapsing dunes can behave like “the weight of an elephant” falling on a person, making self-rescue and excavation extremely difficult as sand continually refills any hole.

A Givealittle page set up by friends describes Watson as a devoted dad and “much-loved son, brother, partner.” Loved ones shared that his greatest joy was family, and that his unborn child will grow up hearing about the “incredible man who loved them before they were born.”