Caver's Worst Nightmare Came True | Caving Gone Wrong Marathon

Disclaimer: All content on this channel is intended for educational purposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. On Memorial Day weekend, May 25, 1980, a team of cavers from the Mother Lode Grotto set out to explore Church Cave in Kings Canyon National Park, California. The group, consisting of Dave Cowan, Paul Graves, Jack Espina, Bob Pine, and Erik Popoff, was looking forward to an adventurous but controlled journey into the depths of one of the park’s most famous caves. Excitement buzzed as they packed their gear, checked their ropes, and reviewed the route they’d take to reach Church Cave—a steep and winding path through the dense, rugged canyon. The morning was clear as they began their trek from Boyden Cave’s parking lot, weaving their way up through trails thick with pine trees and the sounds of birds. They moved in single file along the narrow dirt path, carefully stepping over roots and jagged stones. Each member was experienced, but they all knew the risks. They joked to ease the tension, laughing off the idea of natural disasters or cave-ins. But as they approached the mouth of Church Cave around 9:30 a.m., fate threw them a grim reminder of the forces that lie hidden beneath the Earth’s surface. 00:00 John Young and Marvin Miller Tragedy 04:24 Salamander Cave Tragedy 10:30 Sweet Potato Cave Horror #disaster #cave #horrorstories