Student rescued after falling in Blue Spring Cave

SPARTA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A weekend cave expedition in Middle Tennessee turned dangerous for a Nashville man, prompting a successful multi-agency rescue mission.

The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue Service joined forces with the Sparta-White County Rescue Squad and White County Emergency Management to assist a Vanderbilt University student who became trapped deep inside Blue Spring Cave in Sparta.

Officials say the student was on an overnight research trip with classmates when he got sick roughly three miles into the cave system on Friday.

Though he initially struggled to move due to weakness, he was later able to crawl out on his own with assistance from rescuers.

White County EMS evaluated him on Saturday, and he did not require further medical transport.

The group had entered the cave on Friday afternoon. By 7:30 p.m. Saturday, all parties, including the injured student and his classmates, were safely out.

Captain Brandon Powers with the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue Service credited the collaboration among agencies for the positive outcome.

“This was a multi-agency event. Our main task was to establish communication with the patient and determine if a carryout would be needed,” Powers said. “While we were ready to assist with a carryout through some tight passages, the student’s condition improved enough for him to crawl out. Sometimes that’s all it takes.”

Blue Spring Cave is a privately owned cave network in Middle Tennessee that spans more than 37 miles.

Known for its complex underground passages, the cave is gated and only accessible with permission.

Captain Powers added, “We’re thankful for the teamwork that led to a successful outcome.”