Cave Explorer gets Trapped in a Snake Pit

A gold miner seeking fame and fortune gets trapped in a pit below a 100 ft (30 m) vertical mine shaft with rattlesnakes. This is the true horror story of John Waddell.

For educational, documentary, and entertainment purposes only. Based on actual events. The authoritative sources used for this story include interviews, newspaper articles, and TV news reporting meant to educate and memorialize notable cases in our history.

Music:
YouTube Library - Godmode - Blacksmith, Trudging Along, Asher Fulero - Lament of the Ancients
Storyblocks - Monsters SBA 300555148

References:

[true-tragedies]

What is the scariest situation you have ever been in?

[sincityisbreezy]

If you're ever having a bad day, just remember: You are not stuck in a dark snake filled cave with a broken ankle.

[dorrin]

He only survived because he told someone where he would be and when he'd be back.

ALWAYS tell someone of your plans before you do something high-risk, especially in the wilderness.

[jameelbuggs]

He went alone cause he didn't wanna share the gold smh i bet he learned that day 😂

[otisvangundy]

If this guy was so experienced, why did he go down there without his meds, any water, extta batteries or any food? He knew he would be down there long enough he would need at least water and his meds. Even if he didn't get injured he was going to need water and extra batteries. None of his actions makes sense. AND he used to be an EMT.

[Jmdolife]

Why does it sound like a movie that snakes guard the gold lol

[viveknair]

Now he knew life is more valuable than gold 😂

[j.griffin]

9:41
“He had been stuck down
in that hole
for more than two days
with a broken leg…
no medication
no water no food…”
nothing but
a bunch of rattlesnakes
and a STICK!

[Clearlight]

Next week: cave diver gets stuck with a family of starving polar bears

[Koyoshinkai]

Never ever go anywhere by yourself, if it's Hiking, Camping, Diving, Hunting or Mining for whatever, never go Solo, always have buddy with you.

[VickyWaChrist]

I don't know why that last part "he didn't find the gold" threw me rolling in laughter

[Silencedyt]

20 years experience??? Yet made almost every rookie mistake possible …

[UnWonMo]

Wow, what an incredible and intense story! John’s resilience and quick thinking in such a terrifying situation are truly inspiring. The way the narrative unfolds keeps you on the edge of your seat. Kudos to the creators for capturing such a gripping experience!

[sharonrigs]

Im gonna bet he neglected his climbing gear. This often happens if you store your gear while it's dirty or still wet.
His ' survival kit ' should have been attached to his body.
Just because you've been doing something for 20 years doesn't mean you've been doing it right.

[NikkiRhodeen]

That’s not a tragedy, John was incredibly ill prepared and his greed got in the way of good decision making. 🤦🏾‍♀️

[MikeMarley-rs]

He used a rib from a sajuro cactus.They are perfect for climbing through holes when entering an abandoned mine, one taps ahead of oneself to check for rattlesnakes. I have used them in this fashion.They are perfect for a splint or walking stick.And the natives used them for lances.

[TheBeefSlayer]

If I know gold miners….. this dude is definitely going back for the gold. He probably just gonna have a partner help him.

[VanessaCurry]

This is two of the things that terrify me and I’ve never heard of them together before!! I’m going to have nightmares!!

[hot]

I had recurring nightmares when I was very young about falling in a snake pit. Everytime I moved I got bit.

[jonathanlee]

Sorry, I am skeptical about this guy's add-on narrative about snakes. Ok, rattlers will shelter from the sun in caves, but what would their food source be to live way down a cold mine shaft? And why would snakes stalk him, wouldn't they only attack if he startled them ?