Man from Idaho died in tragic sand hole accident in California. His family asks for help

NAMPA (Idaho Statesman) – The family of a Nampa resident is asking for public support following his “tragic death” when a sand pit collapsed in California, burying and killing him.

Dustin Hanson died over the weekend after a sand slide buried him Wednesday in a 6-foot-deep hole he dug at Samoa Power Pole Beach in Northern California, according to a GoFundMe press release. Hanson was digging the deep hole under a log to “build a sort of fort from which to watch the sunset” when the sand collapsed, trapping him, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

According to Florida International University, experts recommend standing no higher than 2 feet (or the shortest person's knee) when digging on a beach because sand can be “unstable” and “heavy,” making it difficult to rescue someone if the hole collapses.

“Be very careful with the sand on the beach – it is changeable and unpredictable – you never know which way it may fall,” Megan Ruiz, spokeswoman for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, said in a local California blog about the accident.

According to the Chronicle, Hanson was trapped for several minutes before authorities were able to free him using special equipment. Hanson remained in critical condition in a California hospital for several days before succumbing to his injuries.

In a “final act of kindness,” Hanson donated his organs, according to the press release. Hanson's partner was also trapped in the hole, but was able to free herself and call for help, the press release said.

To help cover funeral expenses and the cost of transporting his remains to Idaho, his family has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser asking for donations. As of Monday afternoon, the page had raised just over $3,000 of the $8,000 goal.

“Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference,” a family member said in the press release.