Featured Image Credit: 7News/GoFundMe
Topics: Australia, Health, World News
Emily Brown
A 25-year-old man has died after a tragic accident left him buried alive on a beach in Australia.
Josh Taylor's family confirmed his life support had been turned off on Thursday (7 December), four days after the incident unfolded at Queensland's popular Bribie Island.
Hear the initial story of the incident below:
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Taylor was on the beach with friends and family when the sand gave way beneath him, causing him to fall into a pit which had been dug to roast a pig.
Sand then piled on top of Taylor, leaving him buried under a pile 1.5 meters deep.
People rushed to dig Taylor free and both emergency services and family members performed CPR before he was flown to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.
An eyewitness, Nathan, told news.com.au: "All of his family were screaming at us, telling us to help, telling us to get rope so we could pull him out. It was pretty gruesome.
“There were like 15 men on the rope pulling and he did not budge.”
Taylor remained in critical condition for days, but today his family announced that his injuries were 'too severe' to overcome.
In a statement, his loved ones said: “He fought as hard as he could and is the most courageous person we will ever know.
“He was the best son, brother, boyfriend and mate we could all have wished for. We love you Josh and will miss you every minute of every day.
“Goodbye mate, until we see each other again.”
Queensland Police have confirmed they are investigating the circumstances of the accident in the wake of Taylor's death.
The department said they believe 'there may be numerous people who were present and are yet to speak with police'.
“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,” a spokesperson for the department said.
A friend of the family started a GoFundMe page after the accident took place on Saturday, asking for donations for the family to allow them 'prioritize his care without the added external stresses and let them concentrate on what truly matters'.
The fundraiser described Taylor as a 'vibrant and adventurous soul who has brought so much joy to those around him'.
Tributes have flooded following his death, with football club Wests Old Boys among those sharing heartfelt words for the Aussie.
“With a heavy heart and the deepest sadness... Josh passed away peacefully today with his family by his side,” the club wrote on Facebook.
If you'd like to donate to the fundraiser for Taylor's family, you can do so here.