Autumn Nicole Draper: Virginia mother falls 100 feet to her death while exploring cave last week
STAFFORDSVILLE, VIRGINIA: A rural Virginia mother unfortunately plunged 100 feet to death while exploring a cave last week, officials have said.
According to WDBJ7, the victim, identified as Autumn Nicole Draper, 38, was found dead by first responders after they entered the cave Friday, January 12, in Staffordsville, Giles County Emergency Services said.
Police, fire, and rescue agencies quickly responded to the scene after they received a call of a woman falling 100 feet, but soon realized they needed “additional specialized resources,” the county’s emergency services said.
When did the rescuers discover the body of the victim?
The body of the victim, who was reportedly from Fairlawn, was “extricated” from the cave by rescuers with the Giles Sheriff’s Department clearing the scene around 1 am the following morning.
While the investigation is ongoing, relatives mourned Draper’s sudden death.
Victim's brother's heartfelt message
"My beloved sister has found solace with God. My heart is heavy, and words escape me," expressed Brandon Koert in what seems to be a Facebook post. He also pledged to care for her daughter and be the best father possible.
"I assure you, I will surround her with love, protect her, and consistently be there for her," Koert conveyed in a heartfelt tribute.
Arizona hot air balloon crash leaves 4 dead and 1 critically injured
Meaww previously reported that a hot air balloon crash in Arizona left four people dead and one critically injured on Sunday, January 14.
The incident occurred around 7.50 am, just after eight skydivers had jumped from the balloon. It then crashed suddenly with four passengers and a pilot still aboard. What caused the crash remains unknown at this time.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are spearheading inquiries into potential factors that may have played a role.
Preliminary accounts from onlookers propose that the balloon might have encountered a catastrophic failure, leading to a swift descent, as reported by the New York Post.
Eloy Mayor Micah Powell stated that the balloon seemed to be deflated as it was coming down. Further details will likely emerge once federal investigators determine the sequence of events.
The Eloy Police Department has confirmed four fatalities from the accident, with a fifth individual remaining in critical condition. The family of Katie Bartrom, 28, a registered nurse from Indiana, identified her as one of the deceased.
