Two teenage boys, described as close friends by their relatives, tragically lost their lives after a sand hole they were digging at a Florida park collapsed, burying them for over an hour, according to officials.
The tragic event unfolded at Sportsman Park in Inverness, Florida, as reported by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.
“Our thoughts are with both families as they mourn the significant loss of their sons. We hope the community will continue to respect their privacy and come together to honor and remember both boys,” stated the sheriff's office in a released statement.
The two boys, aged 14, have been identified as George Watts and Derrick Hubbard, as confirmed by the Florida District 8 and District 5 Medical Examiners' offices to ABC News on January 14.
The boys were playing in the park on Sunday, January 11, when the sand hole, measuring five feet deep, collapsed, trapping them underneath, according to the sheriff's office.
The emergency was reported to the authorities around 12:44 PM local time.
“The caller reported that two 14-year-olds were lost in the park vicinity, mentioning a large hole; they suspected the children might be trapped within,” the sheriff's office explained.
Deputies, firefighters, and emergency medical crews swiftly arrived at the scene, attempting to rescue the boys after one of the parents tracked their child’s cellphone to locate them underground, as per the sheriff's office report.
Rescue teams retrieved both boys from the collapsed sand hole at approximately 1:15 PM and initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). They were then transported by ambulance to HCA Florida Citrus Hospital in Inverness.
Authorities shared that one of the boys, Derrick Hubbard, was declared deceased on Sunday, January 11. George Watts was later pronounced dead at the hospital on Tuesday afternoon, January 13.
“In a heartbreaking accident, we have lost our eldest son, George Watts, alongside his best friend, Derrick Hubbard,” remarked Jasmine Watts, George’s mother, on a GoFundMe page aimed at raising funds for the boys' funerals.
“These two boys shared a connection that transcended mere friendship; they were inseparable, bursting with life, curiosity, and dreams for what lay ahead.”
The boys attended Inverness Middle School, as confirmed by a statement from the institution.
“This incident has profoundly impacted many within our school and district community,” stated the school, adding that counselors, social workers, and psychologists were available to support students throughout this challenging time.
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