Two teenagers tragically lost their lives when a hand-dug sand tunnel collapsed on them, causing deep sorrow within their community. Best friends George Watts and Derrick Hubbard, both 14 years old, had been working on the tunnel as a childhood adventure for two weeks. George’s mother, Jasmine Watts, described the incident as a heartbreaking loss.
The boys, known for their inseparable bond, were inside the tunnel when it caved in on Sunday, January 11. Concern arose when they didn’t return home for lunch, and attempts to reach them on their phones failed. Despite being reported missing, no one had seen them at Sportsman Park in Inverness, Florida. It was only after receiving an alert from one of the boys’ phones that they were located at the park where their shoes and bikes were found near the collapsed tunnel.
Rescuers took around 30 minutes to free the boys, who were estimated to be trapped four to five feet underground by Citrus County sheriffs. Tragically, Derrick passed away at the hospital, while George, who was unresponsive upon arrival, succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Tuesday, January 13. The families have received support through a GoFundMe page, with Jasmine Watts sharing heartfelt memories of the boys’ close friendship.
Coach Corey Edwards described George and Derrick as traditional kids who enjoyed outdoor activities without the distractions of modern technology. The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office expressed their commitment to assisting the families and community during this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of unity and support in the healing process.