Boy, 12, Dies From Injuries Suffered In Sand Tunnel Collapse On NJ Beach

LONG BRANCH, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Authorities say a 12-year-old boy has died from injuries suffered when a massive sand tunnel he was building at a central New Jersey beach collapsed on him.

Family friends told CBS 2's Derricke Dennis that the victim, Ezra Cornman was a well liked boy from a good family.

"Yeah he was a great kid, unbelievable kid, great family," said Sammy Krost.

Long Branch Police Capt. Jason Roebuck tells the Asbury Park Press says the boy died early Wednesday afternoon, one day after the accident occurred.

Witnesses said that Cornman, an Ocean Township resident, was building the tunnel with his younger brother when it collapsed around 3:20 p.m. Tuesday.

Ezra's mother, who was nearby when the collapse occurred, called 911 and reported her son was covered in sand. Emergency responders soon dug out the unconscious child and performed CPR on him.

"And the lifeguards were pumping on him, trying to bring him back," said Iris Pergola.

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