| Name | Age | Sex | Injuries | Injured areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joel | 13 | Male | Not recorded | Not recorded |
On 29 May, Jerry Thornton (25) and a 13 year old companion, known only as Joel, visited Papoose Cave. While Thornton had moderate caving experience, Joel was a novice. They reached the 40 foot pit at about 2:30 p.m., and found the waterfall running at higher than normal flow. Nevertheless, they descended the pit using a ladder, but then decided to turn back because of extreme water conditions. Thornton ascended the pit, but Joel was unable to do so, even though belayed.
This was the situation at 3 p.m. when four members of the Cascade Grotto (NSS) arrived, descended the pit, and provided Joel with additional clothing as he was extremely cold. Another attempt by Joel to ascend the ladder was unsuccessful. Thornton left the cave at this time.
When additional cavers arrived (Xandu Grotto, NSS) it was decided to remove Joel directly via a nearby dry 50 foot pit. A counterbalance pulley system was rigged in the pit and Joel was successfully raised up the pit and helped out of the cave. All were out by midnight.
Source: David Mischke
Analysis: (Mischke) The party of two was too weak and ill equipped to attempt this cave. On that day, novices had no business below the 40 foot pit. In addition, Joel was wearing cotton instead of wool clothing, cowboy boots, and a metal hard hat without chin strap. The actions of the first group to arrive, sharing clothing and body heat, very possibly prevented Joel from dying from hypothermia.
This record was last updated on 27th Apr 2024 at 23:11 UTC.