In November 1983, experienced divers Richard Patton and Clark McConnell, both students at Texas State University, attempted to explore the dangerous Jacob’s Well. Despite extensive warnings from their instructor, Don Dibble, who had previously faced a near-fatal incident in the cave, the students ventured into the treacherous environment.
Jacob’s Well, a scenic yet perilous location, features crystal-clear waters concealing a deep, deceptive hole. While the surface seems inviting, the well contains a series of chambers with dangerous passages. The main well leads to three identified chambers: the first two are relatively open, but the third chamber contains a challenging squeeze and a tiny, enticing hole that many divers have tried to access, often with fatal consequences.
In 1979, divers Kent Mopin and Mark Brasher died in a cave-in while attempting to access the fourth chamber, leading to a desperate recovery mission. In response, Don Dibble, who had also experienced a near-death incident involving a gravel slide, attempted to block access to the fourth chamber with cement and rebar. However, divers soon removed the barriers, driven by curiosity and the challenge of the forbidden area.
On the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, Richard and Clark entered Jacob’s Well, moving through the chambers without issue initially. However, as they reached the fourth chamber, Richard, who had removed his air tank to pass through a narrow tunnel, ran out of air.
Clark, realizing the emergency, shared his air supply with Richard and attempted a slow, coordinated exit. Despite their efforts, they encountered a false chimney—a deceptive tunnel that led nowhere but appeared to be a path to safety.
Clark managed to escape to the surface after a frantic struggle, but Richard was trapped and ultimately died. Don Dibble, who received the rescue call, was shocked to learn the victims were his students. The recovery of Richard’s body was complicated by silt in the lower chambers, and the tragedy underscored the dangers of cave diving.
In response, safety measures were strengthened, including a new grate at 40 feet and a prohibition on recreational diving in Jacob’s Well. Despite these precautions, the cave has claimed several lives over the years, including Wayne Russell in 1984. The Jacob’s Well Exploration Project now restricts access beyond 40 feet to prevent further tragedies.
