A Florida community is grappling with the tragic loss of two teenage best friends, who met their untimely end during what should have been a carefree day at the beach. The incident has left the town in mourning, as residents come to terms with this heartbreaking event.

On January 11, 14-year-olds George Watts and Derrick Hubbard were joyfully digging a hole and tunnel in a sandpit near Sportsman’s Park in Inverness, located approximately 70 miles north of Tampa. The day, meant to be filled with fun and laughter, turned tragic when the sandpit they were excavating suddenly gave way, trapping them beneath its weight, as reported by FOX 13.

Corey Edwards, who served as their coach and mentor through the 352 Legends program, expressed his sorrow, saying, “They were just kids. Just kids doing what we always encourage them to do—get outside and play.” His words resonate with the innocence of their actions, underscoring the senselessness of their loss.

The sandy pit, which had reached a depth of about five feet, unexpectedly collapsed, leading to the tragic incident. The community is now left to remember George and Derrick not only as vibrant young souls taken too soon but as a poignant reminder of the risks that can accompany even the most innocent of childhood adventures.

Images of George and Derrick, captured during their younger years, have circulated as part of the mourning process, serving as a testament to their friendship and the joyous spirits they shared. A GoFundMe campaign has been established in their memory, as the community comes together to support their grieving families in this time of unimaginable sorrow.

According to a Citrus County Sheriff’s Office report obtained by FOX 13, their parents became worried when neither Watts nor Hubbard answered their cellphones during lunchtime and came to the area to search for them. 

Their parents reportedly located the boys’ bicycles and shoes by the sandpit, and immediately called for help as they began digging. 

When first responders found Hubbard, he did not have a pulse and was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. 

A makeshift memorial stands where George Watts and Derrick Hubbard were killed when their sandpit collapsed while they were playing at a local beach in Inverness, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (FOX 13)

Watts was located with a pulse, but was unconscious and not breathing when he was pulled from the sand. He was transported to a hospital, and later flown to UF Health Shands in Gainesville in critical condition, FOX 13 reported. 

He was pronounced dead two days later at 4:25 a.m. Tuesday, according to the outlet.

Details regarding the length of time in which the boys were trapped remain unclear. 

George Watts and Derrick Hubbard were lifelong best friends before both boys were killed when their sandpit collapsed while they were playing at a local beach in Inverness, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (GoFundMe)

“They were digging a hole,” Edwards reportedly said. “They were having fun, being adventurous, using their imagination. They’re doing things that we preach to kids that we want them to do and, unfortunately, this just turned into a tragedy.”

The two boys reportedly grew up together and were like brothers. They had recently celebrated winning the Citrus NFL Flag Football league championship, and are being remembered by loved ones as always being kind, funny and adventurous. 

“It really killed a part of all of us, losing them,” Lina Bilodeau told FOX 13. “This is a pain that will never subside. Born together and passed together. A true friendship most of us as adults never even get to experience.”