A father of four has died after being trapped under a sand dune that collapsed on top of him while he was digging.

According to tragic reports, Kane Watson, 28, was visiting Muriwai Beach, close to Auckland, New Zealand, with his 18-month-old daughter and three stepsons on Saturday, August 23.

The New Zealand Herald tell how the father – who was expecting a new baby – was playing with the kids in the sand when a dune unexpectedly collapsed, burying him headfirst and leaving him desperately calling out for help.

Watson is said to have remained trapped for 15 minutes while his children sought assistance and alerted witnesses.

The 28-year-old was dug out by rescue teams and ultimately transported to Auckland City Hospital, where he sadly died one day later on Sunday, August 24.

In light of the tragedy, University of Auckland lecturer Colin Whittaker told RNZ of his hope that the general public can learn more about the dangers of sand dunes.

“If you’ve got a big dune above you and a lot of that collapses, you’ve potentially got something that weighs as much as an elephant collapsing on top of you,” Whittaker said.

“That’s obviously very damaging, but also pretty hard to dig yourself out of, especially if you’re struggling for air.”

He added: “As soon as you start trying to dig someone out, as you dig a hole, the sand fills it back in. It’s incredibly challenging to do.”

A Givealittle fundraising page established by a family friend describes Watson as a “much-loved son, brother, partner and, above all, a devoted father” who had a new baby on the way.

“His greatest joy was being with his children — not only his own, but also the kids he cared for and loved as if they were his own. Family was always at the very center of who he was,” family friend Kristalle Tayler wrote.

“Most heartbreakingly, his youngest child, due early next year, will never get to meet him, but will grow up hearing stories of the incredible man who loved them before they were born,” Taylor continued. “The suddenness of this accident has left Kane’s family shattered.”

Watson’s sister Shaquille, meanwhile, told local outlet Stuff that he was “her best friend, her favorite person.”

“He was just an amazing dad,” Tayler said. “I guess that’s where it’s just the most heartbreaking thing. All he ever wanted was to have his own family, and it really does feel like the minute he got there, it was ripped away from him.“