Ventura Beach Tragedy: 5-Year-Old Dies in Sand Tunnel Collapse, Community Rallies with $65,000 in Donations
VENTURA, CA – A five-year-old boy died Tuesday after being trapped in a sand tunnel he was digging on Ventura beach, authorities said. Maxwell “Max” Haworth was pronounced dead at the scene despite rescue efforts by his father and first responders. The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief and generosity,with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $65,000 in less than ten days to support the grieving family.
The accident underscores the hidden dangers of digging sand tunnels, particularly for children unaware of the potential for collapse. Max, who had recently started kindergarten, was described by family friends as a joyful and energetic child. The tragedy has resonated widely, drawing donations from across the country as the community seeks to provide support during an unimaginable loss.
According to Ventura Police Department spokesperson, Sergeant Kessler, Max’s father attempted to rescue his son after the tunnel collapsed. “His father picked him up and went up to the parking lot with him in his arms to get some help,” Kessler said.”They did everything they could.”
Family friend Bryan Holloway established a GoFundMe account to assist with funeral expenses and provide support to Max’s parents. ”My friends are not ones to ask for anything from anyone,but we know they need any support they can get,” Holloway wrote on the fundraising page.
As of Friday afternoon, the GoFundMe, titled “Maxwell Oliver,” had reached $65,000 from nearly 650 contributors, nearing its $80,000 goal. Donations ranged from $10 to $2,500.
“The outpouring of support has been tremendous, we feel so blessed and his parents feel so blessed and can’t thank people enough for donating and sharing their love,” Kessler said. “They feel overjoyed that their son has touched so many people.” Max was the couple’s only child and was described as their “biggest joy in life and a blessing they couldn’t have wanted more,” Holloway stated.