‘In seconds, laughter turned to panic’: Muriwai Beach sand dune collapse leads to man’s death while playing with kids

A tragic incident unfolded at Muriwai Beach in New Zealand, where a man died after a sand dune suddenly collapsed on him as he was digging a hole in it. The incident took place on Saturday (August 23, 2025) when the man, identified as Kane Watson, 28, was playing at the beach with his 18-month-old daughter and three stepsons, according to media reports.

The dune collapsed on top of Watson at around 5 PM (local time), according to the news outlet Stuff. Following the collapse, he was trapped and left calling out for help. The dune collapsed and buried him headfirst for 15 minutes, as his children watched on. In search of help for their father, Watson’s children alerted multiple witnesses. According to PEOPLE, rescue teams transported Watson to Auckland City Hospital, where he died on Sunday (August 24, 2025).

Speaking to Radio New Zealand (RNZ), police said that an investigation will be carried out on behalf of the coroner. In a post on Facebook on Sunday (August 24, 2025), Watson’s partner Jazmin Lee said, “Hey Family and Friends. Yesterday Kane was in a traggic and unfortunate accident where a sand dune collapsed on top of him burying, under 2m of Sand, he was resuscitated after 15-30 minutes. (sic)”

“He is currently in critical condition and not conscious, if anyone would like to come say words to him please feel welcome to message me and arrange coming to the hospital. Keeping positive that these aren't goodbyes but would like to invite anyone to come see him.
We love you baby From me and all our kiddie,” she added.



The family friend of Watson, who was expecting a new baby, started a Givealittle fundraiser remembering him as a "much-loved son, brother, partner and, above all, a devoted father" who had a new baby on the way.

"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 center of who he was," family friend Kristalle Tayler wrote alongside the fundraiser. So far, it has garnered thousands of dollars in donations for Watson's funeral costs.

"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," Taylor continued. "The suddenness of this accident has left Kane's family shattered."

Speaking with RNZ, University of Auckland lecturer Colin Whittaker said that dunes can become unstable and collapse in seconds for a variety of reasons, including being cut by waves, vehicles driving over them, or people walking on them or digging into them.

"As soon as you start trying to dig someone out, as you dig a hole, the sand fills it back in. It's incredibly challenging to do," he added.

Watson’s family has told local outlets that they are "shattered" and still picking up the pieces following his death. His sister Shaquille told local outlet Stuff that he was "her best friend, her favorite person."

Watson’s family friend Kristalle Tayler expresses grief

Expressing grief over Watson’s tragic death, family friend Kristalle Tayler said, “In seconds, laughter turned to panic as his family witnessed the unimaginable unfold before their eyes,” according to Stuff. To have witnessed such a tragedy and now face life without him is almost unbearable,” Tayler stated. Speaking about his partner Jazmine, Tayler said she and Kane were creating a life together.

The couple was raising a blended family of four together, including Jazmine’s three sons from a previous relationship and an 18-month-old daughter. They were all with him on the beach that day when the tragic incident unfolded.