| Name | Age | Sex | Injuries | Injured areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoag, Jonathan | 14 | Male | Cut | Scalp |
August 11, 1979 Around noon on August 11, a group of cavers entered Wildman Cove Cave in Tennessee. The entrance pit is 111 feet, part of this being a narrow slot. Following several other cavers, Jonathon Hoag (14) began his rappel descent. About halfway down his hair caught in his rappel rack, stopping him with his head pinned against the rack. Those below soon ascertained the problem, a knife was tied to the rope and Hoag pulled it up. While cutting himself free, he also cut his scalp, causing much pain and bleeding. Hoag was able to continue the rappel to the bottom where one of the other cavers, a paramedic, stopped the flow of blood and bandaged the wound. With assistance from other cavers, Hoag A68 was able to ascend out. His wound received further treatment at a nearby hospital.
Reference: John Hoffelt NSS Accident Report Undated.
Analysis: Hoag had long hair, not tied back, and was reportedly doing a quick rappel. He had been warned, but had not previously caught his hair in a rack and so was not prepared. Especially in a narrow pit such as this, clothes, hair, breasts, etc. can come against the rack and be caught. One must be aware.
Cut scalp with knife while cutting hair out of rack.
This record was last updated on 27th Apr 2024 at 23:11 UTC.