A Florida community is mourning the loss of two 14-year-old boys who died after a sandpit collapsed while they were digging near Sportsman’s Park in Inverness, approximately 70 miles north of Tampa, on January 11, 2026.
Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Two Friends
George Watts and Derrick Hubbard were digging a hole and tunnel when the sand reportedly gave way, trapping them. According to a report obtained by FOX 13, the boys’ parents became concerned when they couldn’t reach them by phone and went to search for them, discovering their bicycles and shoes near the sandpit.
First responders arrived to find Derrick Hubbard without a pulse and transported him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. George Watts was initially pulled from the sand with a pulse but unconscious and not breathing. He was transported to a hospital and then flown to UF Health Shands in Gainesville in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead on Tuesday at 4:25 a.m.
A Coach’s Reflection
Corey Edwards, their coach and mentor in the 352 Legends program, described the boys as “just kids” who were “doing what we try to tell kids to do, ‘Get outside and play.’” He added that they were simply “having fun, being adventurous, using their imagination.”
Details regarding the length of time the boys were trapped remain unclear. The two, described by loved ones as lifelong friends, are remembered for their kindness, humor, and adventurous spirits. Lina Bilodeau told FOX 13, “It really killed a part of all of us, losing them…Born together and passed together. A true friendship most of us as adults never even get to experience.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the boys doing when the accident occurred?
George Watts and Derrick Hubbard were digging a hole and tunnel in a sandpit near Sportsman’s Park in Inverness, Florida, when the sand collapsed.
Where were the boys transported after being found?
Derrick Hubbard was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. George Watts was initially transported to a hospital and then flown to UF Health Shands in Gainesville.
What did those who knew the boys say about them?
Their coach described them as “just kids” enjoying outdoor play, and loved ones remembered them as kind, funny, and adventurous lifelong friends.
As the community grieves, it is possible that local authorities will review safety protocols at public parks and recreational areas. It is also possible that this tragedy will prompt further discussion about the dangers of digging in sand and the importance of adult supervision.
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