The man who died after a sand dune collapsed on him while he was spending a family day out at a West Auckland beach was due to be a father again early next year.

Kane Hanna Watson has been described as a devoted father with family at the centre of his universe. His loved ones have been left shocked and shattered after his sudden death while playing with his children.

Family friend Kristelle Tayler said Watson was a “much-loved son, brother, partner and, above all, a devoted father”.

“Most heartbreakingly, his youngest child, due early next year, will never get to meet him, but will grow up hearing stories of the incredible man who loved them before they were born.”

Kane Watson died when a sand dune collapsed on him at Muriwai Beach on Saturday. Photo / Givealittle

She said he was at Muriwai Beach on Saturday with his partner and children when in seconds “laughter turned to panic”.

“Despite the incredible efforts of rescue teams and doctors, Kane tragically passed away from his injuries.”

She said his partner and young children are now “facing the unbearable” after witnessing the tragedy.

“The suddenness of this accident has left Kane’s family shattered.

“To have witnessed such a tragedy and now face life without him is almost unbearable. Alongside their grief, they are also facing the financial strain of funeral costs and related expenses.

A Givealittle has been set up to support the family, which raised over $1000 in the first hour it was created.

Kane’s partner, Jazmine Lee, posted on Facebook on Sunday, saying: “Yesterday Kane was in a tragic and unfortunate accident where a sand dune collapsed on top of him, burying under 2m of sand.

Emergency services were called to Muriwai Beach at 5pm on Saturday, after a man was reportedly trapped, police said. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

“He was resuscitated after 15-30 minutes. He is currently in critical condition and not conscious.

“If anyone would like to come say words to him please feel welcome to message me and arrange coming to the hospital.

“Keeping positive that these aren’t goodbyes but would like to invite anyone to come see him. We love you baby”

A woman said she and her husband were first on the scene after a child yelled out to them, asking them to help the man, who was fully buried in the collapsed dune.

She said when they finally got the man out from under the sand, they were told he had been in there for 15 minutes.

“We were on the side of a steep, soft sand dune just above the estuary, which made it extremely difficult to balance.”

Emergency services were called to Muriwai Beach at 5pm on Saturday, after a person was reported to be trapped, police said.

The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust said a crew was tasked with rescuing the man, in his 20s, who had been digging a hole in the sand dune when it collapsed on him.

The man was airlifted to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition.