A man has died after he reportedly became buried under suffocating sand when he fell into a cooking pit meant for ‘roasting a pig’ on a beach. Josh Taylor, 23, is understood to have plunged into the hole on Saturday at a popular camping spot on Bribie Island, around 60 miles north of Brisbane, in Queensland, Australia.
The young man was airlifted to hospital and pictures from ABC News showed emergency responders at the scene gathered around a large hole on a beach. Local news reports said it took 15 people to pull Mr Taylor free from the sand where a hole had been dug to roast a pig before park and wildlife officers carried out CPR.
Mr Taylor, who has been described as a “vibrant and adventurous soul”, was in a critical condition and sadly succumbed to his injuries at Princess Alexandra Hospital on Thursday.
A gofundme page set up during Mr Taylor’s time in hospital has raised more than £34,000 for his family and a statement on the page said: “We come to you today with heavy hearts and ask for support for the Taylor family.
“The unimaginable has happened to their beloved son, Josh, a vibrant and adventurous soul who has brought so much joy to those around him.
“Recently, Josh experienced a tragic accident on Bribie Island that has left him in critical condition. His family is now facing an incredibly challenging journey ahead.”
According to ABC News Queensland Police said they were carrying out “further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident” and officers believe there may be “numerous people who were present and are yet to speak with police”.
A statement said: “Officers are appealing to those people, as well as anyone who may have dash-camera footage from the northern end of Bribie Island on Saturday to come forward.”
Nine News reports the family made an emotional statement saying Mr Taylor was the “the best son, brother, boyfriend and mate we could all have wished for” adding he would be “missed every minute of every day”.
