A fun family outing to the beach has ended in heartbreak after a sand dune collapsed on a 28-year-old father in front of his partner and children.

Kane Watson, a father of four, was playing with his three stepsons and 18-month-old daughter at Muriwai Beach on Saturday, around a 40-minute drive northwest of Auckland, when tragedy struck.

According to the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, Mr Watson had been digging in a sand dune when it gave way, burying him completely.

Emergency services responded swiftly, and Mr Watson was airlifted to Auckland City Hospital in critical condition.

Despite the efforts of rescue teams and medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday evening.

“In seconds, laughter turned to panic as his family witnessed the unimaginable unfold before their ey

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