Cave Rescue: Donations Sought for Orefield Man's 'Angels'

When 54-year-old Dwight Kempf slipped and fell down a deep cave in Georgia last week, more than 100 men and women jumped to his rescue.

Now the Orefield man's family wants to give thanks to the "angels" who saved Kempf's life by raising money for cave rescues, including for instruction and equipment.

According to a donation web page that has been established, the family is requesting donations for cave rescues in lieu of flowers and other expressions of support.

Kempf is an experience caver. According to the posting, he was doing a "crossover" at Ellisons Cave in Walker County, GA, when he slipped and fell 30 feet into a pit. He broke a thigh bone and fractured his skull. Along with Kempf's caving friends, 105 "brave men and women" jumped into their gear to perform "the rescue of the year," the posting said.

Nearly 24 hours later, he was lifted to safety.

"Accidents happen, but training doesn't happen by accident," wrote one couple who donated to pay-it-forward to help ensure "the dedicated miracle makers who rescued Dwight will always be there and ready if needed."

Kempf remains hospitalized, according to family friend Susie Sanders.

As of Monday, $2,155 had been raised. The goal is $5,000.