On Friday, January 12, 2024, Autumn Nicole Draper, a 38-year-old woman from Fairlawn, Virginia, fell approximately 100 feet to her death inside a cave located in the Staffordsville community, just outside Pearisburg, Virginia.
An emergency 911 call was received by Giles County Sheriff’s Office around 4:13 p.m.
Responding to the emergency, the Giles Rescue Squad, recognizing the need for specialized skills, sought assistance from the Blacksburg Rescue Squad’s Technical Rescue Cave Team as well as the Celco Emergency Response Team.
Upon entering the cave, rescuers discovered Draper’s body, confirming her death due to the injuries sustained from the fall.
The rescue teams worked diligently into the early hours of Saturday to retrieve her body from the challenging environment of the cave.
Draper, identified through DMV records, was not wearing a helmet or appropriate rappelling gear at the time of the incident, according to Chief Deputy Scott Moye of the Giles County Sheriff’s Office.
The 911 call reporting Draper’s fall came from an individual who had been in the cave with her. However, details surrounding the circumstances of the fall and the identity of the 911 caller remain undisclosed.
Virginia, renowned for its extensive network of caves, boasts over 4,000 caves. These natural formations have been utilized for various purposes, ranging from shelter to religious practices, moonshine production, mining, scientific research, and recreation.
Giles County itself is home to over 250 registered caves, making it a notable location for caving enthusiasts.
The incident has prompted local authorities to urge residents to exercise caution and only explore caves with expert guides and appropriate equipment. While the investigation into the incident continues, the community has been left to ponder the inherent risks associated with such adventurous endeavors.
