You are here

Home » Collapsing Sand Tunnel Kills Cape Hatteras National Seashore Visitor

Collapsing Sand Tunnel Kills Cape Hatteras National Seashore Visitor

Share

Published Date

June 25, 2014

A Virginia man died at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina when a sand tunnel he was digging collapsed, covering him with five-six feet of sand.

Seashore officials say David Frasier, 49, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, was trying to link two large holes dug into the beach north of Ramp 27 with a tunnel. "EMS and rescue personnel arrived on scene as the victim was being pulled from the sand by family, friends, and by-standers. Resuscitation efforts began immediately," the seashore reported in a press release. "The victim had been buried for approximately 10 minutes prior to resuscitation efforts. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead on scene."

The accident occurred around 2:30 p.m. Monday.

While building sand castles is a long-standing and renowned activity on beaches, trying to dig tunnels deep into the sand or at the base of dunes can be dangerous. Cape Hatteras officials note that, "When the sand is wet, it is easy to dig deep, but when the exposed sand dries from the sun and wind, the sides collapse very quickly. The sand caving in can be quite heavy. Much like a person swept away in an avalanche, the compression and snow, or sand in this case, quickly suffocates a person. A general rule of thumb is to not dig deeper than your knees."

If you do dig holes, it's best to fill them in before you leave for the day, as someone walking the beach after sundown could stumble into the holes and injure themselves.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.