Catastrophic Seffner Sinkhole That Swallowed Man In Bed Reopens

SEFFNER, FL — A catastrophic sinkhole in Seffner that fatally swallowed a 36-year-old man as he was in bed asleep on Feb. 28, 2013, has reopened, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue officials.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, county engineers and code enforcement responded to the reappearance of the sinkhole on the property at 240 Faithway Drive, Seffner, to assess the sinkhole that made national news 10 years ago.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office monitored the site overnight to prevent anyone from accessing the area. County officials notified neighbors that they can remain safely in their homes.

A sinkhole remediation contractor will determine the extent of the problem and draft a remediation plan.

The void is a reopening of the 2013 sinkhole that was filled using a method designed to minimize danger to surrounding areas and prevent the sinkhole from reopening.

However, the fix proved to be flawed. It reopened in 2015 and was filled once again by the county, which purchased and double-fenced the property.

Related:

• Update: Sinkhole Swallows Seffner Man Sleeping In Bed
• Mourning and Moving On From a Sinkhole in Seffner
• Seffner Sinkhole Victim Jeffrey Bush Officially 'Presumed Deceased'
• Memorial Announced for Sinkhole Victim

Jeremy Bush told Patch in 2013 he jumped into the sinkhole in a desperate attempt to save his brother, but was unable to reach him.

"As the sinkhole continued to rapidly collapse, Deputy Douglas Duvall risked his own life by standing at the rim of the sinkhole and reaching down and grabbing (Jeremy) Bush by the hand, pulling him to safety," reported the sheriff's office.

Jeffrey Bush's body was never recovered.