| Name | Age | Sex | Injuries | Injured areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chupp, Phil | Not recorded | Male | Cut | Scalp |
On 29 October, Robert Rogers, Phil Chupp, Don Paquette, Mike Bledsoe and Richard Wood descended Freeman Pit at about 8 a.m. All were experienced and were using nylon rope, nylon webbing slings, and proper headgear. There are no passages at the bottom of the pit.
Rogers ascended first. About halfway up (50 feet) he dislodged some loose material - probably mostly earth - which struck Chupp on the head, Chupp was not wearing his hard hat. Rogers completed his ascent, and Chupp and the others followed without incident. Subsequently, Chupp was taken to the hospital and seven stitches were required for scalp injuries.
Source: R. Blenz (Windy City Speleonews, Vol. 7. No. 6. Dec. 1967).
Analysis: If those at the bottom could not get away from the base of the pit, the danger of falling materials was inescapable. It is then obvious that Chupp should not have removed his hard hat.