What Was That Like - True Stories. Real People. STAS 2: Floyd Collins
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Mar 28, 2025 Dive into the gripping tale of Floyd Collins, a passionate cave explorer whose dreams turned into a nightmare. Discover how his enthusiasm for tourism led to a fateful exploration where he became trapped beneath a boulder. The podcast reveals the intense rescue efforts that captivated a nation, ultimately ending in tragedy. Explore the haunting legacy of Collins, whose story continues to inspire modern culture, even leading to a new musical in New York City. Adventure, ambition, and tragedy—this saga has it all!
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Early Cave Exploration
- Floyd Collins explored caves and sought to profit from tourism.
- His first cave, Crystal Cave, failed due to its remote location.
Floyd Collins Tragedy
- Floyd Collins, a Kentucky caver, tragically died after a cave-in trapped him for 17 days.
- His body was later displayed as a morbid tourist attraction, stolen, and eventually reburied.
Sand Cave Incident
- Floyd entered the dangerous Sand Cave, hoping for success.
- A fallen boulder trapped him 55 feet underground.