MTSU Student Rescued from 80-Foot
A male MTSU student fell about 80 feet into Snail Shell Cave. The incident occurred in Rutherford County, Tennessee. It occurred on a geosciences field trip on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Rutherford County Fire and Rescue arrived swiftly, deploying a high-angle rope rescue. Paramedics descended into the cave to help stabilize the student on the rough floor.
The student was stabilized. Afterward, the student was hoisted out of the cave. LifeFlight helicopter flew the student to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for further treatment.
The MTSU Department of Geosciences expressed gratitude to Vanderbilt’s first responders and medical professionals. They also expressed their thoughts to the student and his family.
Rutherford County Fire Rescue Chief Larry Farley praised his team’s training. He also commended their commitment to providing the best emergency response for the community.
While the facts of the injuries have not been revealed, the student is alive and healing at Vanderbilt Trauma Center. Extra updates are likely when new information becomes available.