Overview
- The victims were identified as 14-year-olds George Watts and Derrick Hubbard, who were buried when a hand-dug tunnel about 4–5 feet deep collapsed at Sportsman Park in Inverness.
- Deputies received the 911 call around 12:41–12:44 p.m.; responders dug the boys out in roughly 20–30 minutes according to official narratives, though some accounts say longer.
- Hubbard was pronounced dead Sunday at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital; Watts was flown to UF Health Shands in Gainesville and died Tuesday after life support was withdrawn.
- Watts’ family proceeded with organ donation and an honor walk, as neighbors, schools and local groups organized counseling, memorials and fundraisers.
- Officials and families described the sand as loose “sugar sand,” prompting fresh warnings about the dangers of digging deep holes in unstable ground.