A pair of best friends in Florida died after a tunnel that they were digging in the sand collapsed on them and buried them alive.
On Sunday (January 11), the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a call after 14-year-olds George Watts and Derrick Hubbard were reported missing near Sportsman’s Park in Iverness.
According to officer narratives provided to Just Jared by the Sheriff’s Office, officers responded to the scene around 12:44 p.m.
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Derrick‘s mother told officers that she’d found “a large hole covered with dirt” and became concerned that the children might be under it. Their belongings were found near the site.
First responders immediately started digging out the hole. The first child — George — was uncovered around 1:14 p.m. and had a pulse but “was not conscious or breathing on his own.” Derrick was found three minutes later.
“CPR was initiated immediately for both patients, and they were transported to HCA Florida Citrus for further care,” a statement provided by the office read.
Derrick was reported deceased at the hospital, while George was transported to UF Health Shands Hospital for additional treatment.
George was pronounced dead at 4:25 a.m. on Tuesday (January 13).
Derek‘s mother reportedly told investigators that the boys had been digging a “tunnel” that was estimated to be between 4 and 5 feet deep. She realized that they were missing after the boys didn’t answer her phone calls asking them to come home for lunch.
After conducting interviews, Detective Joshua Cutlip noted that there were no signs of “foul play or malicious intent/circumstances.”
“Our hearts are with both families as they grieve the tremendous loss of their sons. We hope the community will continue to respect their privacy and unite in remembering and celebrating both boys,” the department said in a statement shared shared on Tuesday.
Citrus County Fire Rescue shared a statement as well, saying, “Citrus County Fire Rescue stands with our entire community during this incredibly difficult time. This incident has deeply affected students, neighbors, friends, and families across our county. We ask everyone to keep the families, and their loved ones close in their hearts.”
A GoFundMe started by the Watts family has raised more than $35,000 at the time of publication.
It described Derrick and George as sharing “a bond that went beyond friendship,” adding, “They were inseparable, full of life, curiosity, and dreams for the future.”
“While playing together, the boys dug a tunnel in sugar sand and were inside when it suddenly collapsed. In an instant, our world was shattered. What should have been another day of childhood adventure turned into a heartbreaking loss that no parent should ever have to endure. Our precious boys were taken from us far too soon,” a description for the GoFundMe reads.
Speaking to Fox 13 Tampa Bay, the boys’ coach described them as “old school, old souls.”
“They were what we were like when we were kids when we didn’t have all this technology. These kids were outside every day, and a tragic accident that, honestly, no one could have predicted. No one could’ve done anything different,” he said.