Best Friends, Both 14, Die After Sand Hole They Were Digging Collapses on Them

Two Florida families are grieving after two 14-year-old boys died in what loved ones described as an “unimaginable nightmare,” when they became trapped during a tunnel collapse at a sand pit.

According to responding officers’ narratives released by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a “frantic” call for help on Sunday, Jan. 11, after George Watts and Derrick Hubbard could not be found at a sand pit near Sportsman’s Park in Inverness.

Earlier that day, the teens left Hubbard’s home after telling his mother, Destiny Rogers, they were heading back to the sand pit to dig again, one report stated. The boys were known to spend time in the area to play.

When Rogers later called her son’s phone to let the boys know lunch was ready, neither answered. Concerned, she contacted her fiancé and asked him to check the sand pit. When he arrived, he found the boys’ bikes and shoes — but no sign of either teen.

Rogers then went to the sand pit herself. In an officer’s account, she said she “immediately feared for the worst.” She began digging in the sand, and a call for help was placed shortly afterward, the narratives said.

First responders and authorities launched a search. Fire personnel located Watts within about 20 minutes of digging at the site, pulling him from the collapsed area. Investigators later determined the boys had dug a hole roughly four to five feet deep before it caved in, burying them both.

In an officer’s report, Watts was described as “alive and had a pulse,” but “not conscious or breathing on his own.” As he received emergency care and was transported to a hospital, responders continued searching for Hubbard. When Hubbard was recovered, he had no pulse and was unresponsive. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Watts died the following morning, Tuesday, Jan. 13, the sheriff’s office said.

“Our hearts are with both families as they grieve the tremendous loss of their sons,” the department said. “We hope the community will continue to respect their privacy and unite in remembering and celebrating both boys.”

The incident has rattled the local community. Inverness Middle School, which both boys attended, described the deaths as a “tragedy,” adding that grief support was available for students and staff.

A GoFundMe created to help cover expenses for both families described the loss as a “devastating time.” The page said the two boys were best friends who were “inseparable, full of life, curiosity, and dreams for the future.”

In a social media post following her son’s death, Watts’ stepmother, Jasmine, said the family planned to hold an honor walk for George on Wednesday, Jan. 14.

“Thank you for surrounding us with prayers, strength, and compassion during this unimaginable time,” she wrote. “Our sweet boy is so deeply loved, beyond words, and that love will always carry him.”