Kid Forgotten In Cave Rescued Third Night

Photo by Emery;

An expedition to Sullivan Cave about 10 miles off Bloomington in south Indiana turned horror for Indiana state University freshman Lukas Cavar. The 19 year old a member of the school cave club got separated from the group of 12 Sunday afternoon.

Parents notified police when Cavar's club mates indicated that he has not been seen. He was confirmed missing when they saw his clothes in mates bag.

They had earlier thought he was lurking around when they discovered his hiking kit in his room. He only returned from a different expedition before embarking on this. The presence of his gears put off early discovery that he was left in the cave.

Cavar said the expedition was split in two groups so they could pass a narrow passage. He moved on quickly to catch up with the group ahead only to walk pass the cave exit.

On retracing his steps, he got to the caves exit but the gate has been locked. The expedition has left. No one knew at that he was left behind.

His tried his cell phone but could not receive signal. He could hear cars close by. He kept shouting, no one heard him.

Teen was discovered at cave entrance on the third night by two club leaders that came back to the cave to search for him. He scrapped dew drops that settled on the walls of the cave and water from puddles. Stayed close to the walls to avoid bats, he feared diseases from bat bites. He rolled himself up to keep warm and a couple energy bars he had on him.

Cavar was deeply unsettled and remained focused on staying alive he stated in a radio interview. His described his worst fears as bat, cold and dehydration.


School president in a statement posted on the school website declared that Cave club's rules to account for every team member at expeditions has failed.