A 9-year-old boy from Livingston County experienced a near-fatal accident on Independence Day when sand from a dune he was digging collapsed upon him at Silver Lake State Park. As reported by Audacy, the child was buried under roughly five feet of sand just before 9:30 p.m.
Bystanders at the scene quickly sprang into action, extricating the child after more than five minutes under the sand. When the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers arrived, the boy was not breathing and lacked a pulse. According to a recount by Livingston Daily, CPR was performed by DNR Conservation Officer Logan Turner, who administered around 70-80 chest compressions before the boy began breathing again.
The DNR has since notified the public that the 9-year-old was discharged from the hospital and is recovering at home. This incident echoes a previous one from June 9, 2024, where another child was similarly entrapped under sand at the same location. In both cases, the children were fortunate to make recoveries, highlighting the potential hazards of dune areas.
Following the incident, DNR officials emphasized the importance of safety while enjoying the park's natural features. "We want visitors of all ages to enjoy Michigan’s magnificent natural resources, including the dunes, but with great care and awareness," DNR's Scott Pratt stated in a press release acquired by FOX17. He further reminded the public that digging deep holes is not allowed due to the dangers of collapsing sand.
