College Student Hiking Death: Purdue Student Falls To Death In Alabama Cave

A male student at Purdue University died Saturday while on a hike, according to local reports.

Trevor Col, 21, was hiking through Valhalla Cave in Alabama with a group of friends after staying the night in the area. While making their way back down, Col fell 200 feet while rappelling down an incline.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Col was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers were responding to a call at around 8:30 a.m. Col’s group reportedly had to hike three miles away from the scene to gain cellphone service.

Investigators found that the group had tied several ropes together, as they did not have any long enough to make it down from where they were. In addition to this hazard, Col was also not harnessed correctly, resulting in his fall.

Sheriff Chuck Phillips described Col as an experienced hiker. Even so, Valhalla Cave has seemingly presented a dangerous challenge to many climbers, as Col was the third fall this season at the popular destination.

A native of Austin, Texas, Col was studying mechanical engineering at Purdue’s Honors College. He was on track to achieve his bachelor's degree in 2020 and his master's degree in 2021.

“We are saddened to learn of the tragic death of Trever and offer our condolences and support to his family and friends,” Purdue’s Dean of Students Katie Sermersheim said.

The Valhalla Cave Preserve covers 145 acres in Jackson County, located in the northeastern corner of Alabama.

Col’s death comes days after SUNY New Paltz student Katherine Vollmer fell 150 feet to her death during an unsanctioned hike in Hasbrouck Park, New York.