2 College Students Killed Exploring Cave

Feb 13, 2011 - 18:10
Feb 14, 2011 - 20:45
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2 College Students Killed Exploring Cave
Michael Pirie, left, and Grant Lockenbach died on Saturday after they became stuck in a cave while trying to retrieve a bag someone dropped down a 120-foot hole in Ellison's Cave in northwest Georgia.

Two University of Florida students were found dead on Saturday in a deep cave at Pigeon Mountain near LaFayette, Ga.

Authorities said the two male students were part of a group of 10 Florida students who had made the trip to Ellison Cave.

Pigeon Mountain has some of the deepest caves in the U.S.

The first student went down a 125-foot drop about 1 p.m., then called for help. Another student went down to try to save him. Other students in the group notified rescuers that the two students were trapped. Rescue personnel were then sent down after them. The 911 call was made at 2:19 p.m.

The bodies were found mid-way down the 125-foot drop.

Authorities said the students were under-dressed for the outing with some wearing shorts. Temperatures on Saturday were in the 30s and 40s.

Autopsies will be performed to determine whether they died of hypothermia or some other cause.

The caves are part of the state-managed Pigeon Mountain Natural Area and are open to the public. They are reached off Highway 193.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.