Emergency services soon arrived and continued the resuscitation efforts.<\/p>\n
Watson was flown to Auckland City Hospital in critical condition but died there two days later.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite prolonged resuscitation and advanced medical care, it became clear that Mr Gofton\u2019s injuries were not survivable,\u201d Coroner Ian Telford\u2019s report said.<\/p>\n
Jasmine Cooke was heartbroken when partner Kane Watson died after a dune collapsed on him at Muriwai Beach.<\/p>\n
The coroner pointed to complications of cardiac arrest, entrapment and asphyxia as the cause of Watson\u2019s death.<\/p>\n
Pathologist Dr Michael Duffy\u2019s report explained: \u201cBeing trapped in sand in this manner<\/a> can make it extremely difficult to breathe and cause sand to enter the lungs.<\/p>\n \u201cThe weight and pressure from the sand can also prevent the lungs from expanding properly.<\/p>\n \u201cWithout enough oxygen, the heart can stop, and once the heart stops pumping, vital organs quickly become damaged.<\/p>\n \u201cIn Mr Gofton\u2019s case, this process led to brain swelling, injury to the liver and kidneys, and reduced heart function.\u201d<\/p>\n Coroner Telford also addressed initial concerns about the \u201cperceived actions or inactions\u201d of others at the time of the incident.<\/p>\n \u201cIn any event, it is my assessment on the evidence before me that the circumstances of Mr Gofton\u2019s death ultimately arose from his own actions,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI am satisfied that there is no evidence of actions or inactions by others that could have materially contributed to the events that unfolded.\u201d<\/p>\n The report also stressed the danger regarding the stability of sand dunes.<\/p>\n \u201cDunes can become unstable without warning. Even small tunnels or cavities may collapse, leading to serious injury or death,\u201d the coroner said.<\/p>\n \u201cAs we approach the summer season, it is important that beachgoers \u2013 especially those supervising children \u2013 are aware of these risks, avoid digging into dunes, and seek emergency assistance immediately if anyone becomes trapped.\u201d<\/p>\n Partner vows to keep memory alive<\/p>\n Cooke previously said her world was turned upside down by the tragedy<\/a> at Muriwai Beach.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a hard journey,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s not ever something I pictured \u2013 being in this situation.\u201d<\/p>\n But she said she has a \u201clovely group of children\u201d looking after her.<\/p>\n The blended family includes two 10-year-old girls the couple had only recently legally fostered.<\/p>\n \u201cKane would be very proud of these boys and how much they want to look after me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the girls are an absolutely great help. They\u2019re a great help with the baby.<\/p>\n \u201cMy biggest thing is just trying to keep his memory alive and telling my boys [to] turn out just like him. Once he came into their lives … they just changed … so much.\u201d<\/p>\n Stoush over Givealittle funds<\/p>\n After Watson died in hospital, more than $30,000 was donated to a Givealittle set up by Kristalle Tayler \u2013 a friend of the Watson family \u2013 to help raise funds for funeral expenses and \u201crelated costs\u201d.<\/p>\n For the first two weeks \u2013 the majority of the time the page was live \u2013 it featured a picture of Watson with one of Cooke\u2019s children<\/a>, and revealed his partner was pregnant with their second child together.<\/p>\n Tayler previously told the Herald they had planned to give some of the surplus to the bereaved and pregnant Cooke.<\/p>\n But relations soured between the two parties, and Cooke was cut off from receiving any of the money donated to the online fundraiser.<\/p>\nEmergency services at Muriwai after Kane Watson had been revived and taken to hospital. Photo \/ Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust<\/p>\n
New warning signs have been spotted at the site of the Muriwai Beach sand-dune death. Photo \/ Sarah Bristow<\/p>\n
Kane Watson died after a dune collapsed on him at Muriwai Beach. Photo \/ Givealittle<\/p>\n
A Givealittle page created after young dad Kane Watson’s death quickly ignited a battle over where funds should be going.<\/p>\n