2 College Students Killed Exploring Cave

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.