Man Vanishes without a Trace after a Sinkhole Swallows His Bedroom

Sinkholes are a terrifying and unpredictable natural phenomenon that can strike without warning. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, about 20% of the United States is susceptible to sinkholes, with Florida, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania being the most vulnerable states.¹

In a tragic incident that shocked the nation, a man from Florida disappeared one evening in 2013 when a massive sinkhole opened up beneath his bedroom. Here’s how it happened.

A Shocking Disappearance

On the evening of February 28, 2013, a massive sinkhole, measuring approximately 20 feet wide and 20 feet deep, opened up beneath Jeffrey Bush’s bedroom in his home in Seffner, Florida. Bush, who was 37 years old at the time, was swallowed by the sinkhole along with all of his belongings, leaving no trace behind.^(ref)

The region where Bush’s home was located, Hillsborough County, is particularly prone to sinkholes, with over 500 reported since 1954. Sinkholes form when the bedrock, typically limestone or dolomite, is eroded by groundwater, creating underground voids that can suddenly collapse.

Desperate Rescue Attempts

Upon hearing Jeffrey Bush’s screams, his brother, Jeremy, immediately rushed to help. He bravely jumped into the sinkhole and frantically dug through the rubble in an attempt to save his brother. Despite his valiant efforts and those of the emergency responders, Jeffrey Bush could not be reached due to the unstable ground and the sinkhole’s depth.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue teams employed specialized equipment, including ground-penetrating radar, to assess the sinkhole’s size and stability. The presence of a large amount of water beneath the house further complicated the already challenging rescue efforts.

The Aftermath & Investigation

In the days following the incident, engineers and geologists worked tirelessly to assess the damage and determine the cause of the sinkhole. The Bush family home was deemed unsafe, forcing them to evacuate, along with two neighboring homes due to compromised structural integrity.

Investigations revealed that the collapse of a large underground cavern filled with limestone, which had been eroded by groundwater over time, was the primary cause of the sinkhole. While sinkholes can form naturally, human activities such as land development, water pumping, and the construction of retention ponds can accelerate their formation.

A Tragic Reminder

Although they may seem like rare occurrences, sinkholes can strike without warning, causing devastating damage and loss of life. As we remember Jeffrey Bush, it is crucial to raise awareness about the risks associated with living in sinkhole-prone areas and to support further research into prevention and mitigation strategies.

Florida law mandates that home insurers provide coverage against sinkholes, but many homeowners remain unaware of the potential dangers. Increased public education and stricter building codes in sinkhole-prone areas could help reduce the risk of future tragedies.

The Bush family continues to grapple with the loss of their loved one, whose body was never recovered. The sinkhole that claimed Jeffrey Bush’s life reopened twice since the initial incident, in 2015 and again in 2023.^(ref)

Source:

1. Science Daily