Overview
- The victims were identified as George Watts and Derrick Hubbard, both 14, who relatives described as best friends and who attended Inverness Middle School.
- The emergency was reported at 12:44 p.m. Sunday; rescuers dug the boys out around 1:15 p.m., performed CPR, and Hubbard died Sunday while Watts died early Tuesday.
- Parents raised the alarm when calls went unanswered, found the boys’ bikes and shoes by the pit, and a phone ping helped locate the site for responders.
- Authorities say the tunnel was about 4 to 5 feet deep in sugar sand and likely dug with a shovel, underscoring the instability of the fine, loosely packed material.
- The school district deployed grief counselors and community fundraisers were organized, while Watts’ family announced plans for an honor walk and organ donation.