Teen Killed, Sister Rescued In New Jersey Beach Sand Collapse

An 18-year-old from Maine was killed and his sister trapped when a hole they were digging on a Toms River beach collapsed on them. WCAU's Leah Uko reports.

Connect with NBC News Online!

#Beaches #NewJersey #TomsRiverBeach

[wendyodell]

How sad. I hope the sister is able to find peace eventually. Prayers for her and the family 🙏❤️

[cariwaldick]

We used to go to the beach with a large group, and inevitably someone would dig a hole. Never thought anything of it, until I saw a similar story like this. Now I try to spread the word about the dangers of these holes, especially since they are often abandoned by the digger, and people walking along the beach at night could fall in. They're also dangerous to first responders, who patrol the beaches in ATVs and on foot. So sad that a trip to the beach ends in tragedy. What a nightmare for the family.

[Cha-y]

I live at the beach at the Jersey Shore and did almost the exact same thing digging a hole for a flag pole. My Friend stopped by and yelled at me to get out of the hole an sure it up with wood. Just As I climbed out of hole it collapsed!
He saved my life.

Horrible death. Rip young man.

[suz]

I think that was very thoughtful, what the witness said about the family. Very kind-hearted. I can’t say that I blame him for walking away. I live in Bricktown which is about 20 minutes away from where that tragedy occurred. Ocean Beach III ironically is such a beautiful place to have something so awful happen. My heart goes out to the family

[thornil]

I am a little confused... they dug a 10ft hole with freebees? How long were they at it?

[ericam]

This comment section is full of the people that are the Problem in the World. No empathy for other people. No Respect. The boy was 18 yrs old and DIED. DEAD. Anyone joking about this tragic accident need's to reflect on themselves. Let's hope you don't have an "accident" after running your ignorant mouth about a dead kid. Karma is alive and well.

[dsd-ej]

There's nothing worse than digging your own grave

[liveazskies]

"there's nothing about digging holes in the sand".. and there is nothing about drinking gasoline either.. wait, no warnings for not putting hands in wood chippers either? how about eating sand? is there a warning for that?

[EricDavidFloyd]

As if the city needs to warn against digging holes. Sorry for their loss...but stop asking govt. to put up signs for everything that could go wrong in the world.

[miamiwax]

A freaking 10 foot hole on a public beach? Come on folks.. 🙄

[scsg]

I think a hole in the sand... maybe 2 feet deep is plenty deep enough for entertainment purposes. If you are digging a 10' hole with frisbees, you should be accompanied by a therapist and an off-duty 911 dispatcher...

[pennsylvaniadc]

How did people think sometimes, you want on beach and start digging holes that is above your head.

[anthonystone]

Now we know not to dig large holes in the sand.

[candyhr]

Happened in Southern Utah too, when it caves in on you you can't breathe.

[al-bot]

We need to bring back "GI Joe-style" PSA's.
(Public Service Announcement)

[davidmorales]

Digging a 10 foot hole ? That's some excavating job.

[DobaDave]

Darwin awards being handed out like crazy lately

[AnthonyFelixCano]

Should've been using like a giant vacuum or something for the sand.

[dogtop]

why would you even dig a hole that dip on the beach. is there no common sense out there anymore.

[judychandler]

This is terrifying ..so heartbreaking..I can't believe it ..💔😭 May he RIP 🙏.