Overview

• Watson was digging at Muriwai Beach when a dune gave way around 5 p.m., burying him headfirst for about 15 minutes.
• His children raised the alarm and emergency crews responded before he was flown to Auckland City Hospital.
• Accounts differ on whether he died on Saturday evening or on Sunday at the hospital.
• He leaves his partner, an 18-month-old daughter and three stepsons, with another child due early next year.
• A Givealittle fundraiser has drawn thousands in donations, and a University of Auckland lecturer warned dunes can fail in seconds and carry deadly loads.