young boy

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.