Man dies after sand dune collapse at Muriwai Beach

Monday 25 August 2025 · 5 outlets · 7 reports · updated Mon 25 Aug 2025, 1:32pm

In this story Auckland City Hospital, Givealittle, Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter

Kane Watson, 28, has died in hospital after a sand dune collapsed on him while he was playing with his family at Muriwai Beach on Saturday. The man was airlifted to Auckland City Hospital in critical condition before passing away on Sunday morning.

How they headlined it

7:18am9:50am11:04am1:32pm

1. RNZMon 25 Aug 2025, 7:18am

   Sand dune collapse: 'Something that weighs as much as an elephant collapsing on top of you' (opens in new tab)

   • 'Devoted father' killed in sand dune collapse at Muriwai Beach (opens in new tab) Mon 25 Aug 2025, 11:04am
2. NZ HeraldMon 25 Aug 2025, 9:50am

   Young father with baby on way dies in sand dune collapse at Muriwai Beach (opens in new tab)

3. StuffMon 25 Aug 2025, 9:52am

   Father Kane Watson, who was playing with his kids when a sand dune collapsed on him at Muriwai Beach, has died (opens in new tab)

4. 1NewsMon 25 Aug 2025, 11:29am

   'My best friend': Man who died in sand dune collapse mourned (opens in new tab)

   • Man dies after Muriwai sand dune collapse (opens in new tab) Mon 25 Aug 2025, 11:29am
5. Otago Daily TimesMon 25 Aug 2025, 1:32pm

   Man killed in sand dune collapse a 'devoted father' (opens in new tab)