Researcher Rescued from Texas' Deepest Cave After Injury

Texas agencies worked overnight to rescue the injured researcher from the Sorcerer's Cave in Terrell County.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A researcher was rescued from one of Texas's deepest known caves, the Sorcerer's Cave in Terrell County, on Sunday after being struck in the head by a rock during the team's ascent. The group was not able to alert authorities until around 9 p.m. due to the cave's depth and vertical layout, and several agencies worked together through the night to pull the group from the cave about 5 a.m. The injured researcher was taken by medical helicopter to a hospital in Odessa.

Why it matters

Exploring and researching some of Texas's deepest caves can be extremely dangerous, and this incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by those who venture into these remote and treacherous environments. The successful rescue operation also demonstrates the importance of coordination between multiple emergency response agencies in handling complex, high-stakes situations.

The details

According to the Texas Game Wardens, a team was conducting research in the Sorcerer's Cave, which is the deepest known cave in Texas at 567 feet, when a rock broke loose during the group's ascent, striking a female researcher in the head around 6 p.m. The group was not able to alert authorities until around 9 p.m. due to the cave's depth and vertical layout. Several agencies, including the Terrell County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Border Patrol BORSTAR, Fort Stockton Fire Department, Sanderson Fire Department, Sanderson EMS, and the Texas Department of Public Safety, worked together through the night to pull the group from the cave about 5 a.m. on Sunday. The injured researcher was then taken by a medical helicopter to a hospital in Odessa.

  • The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • The group was not able to alert authorities until around 9 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • The rescue operation was completed around 5 a.m. on Monday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Texas Game Wardens

A law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing wildlife and natural resource laws in the state of Texas.

Terrell County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for Terrell County, Texas, where the Sorcerer's Cave is located.

U.S. Border Patrol BORSTAR

A specialized unit within the U.S. Border Patrol that is trained for search and rescue operations in remote and rugged environments.

Fort Stockton Fire Department

The fire department serving the city of Fort Stockton, Texas, which assisted in the rescue operation.

Sanderson Fire Department

The fire department serving the town of Sanderson, Texas, which assisted in the rescue operation.

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What they’re saying

“Several agencies worked together through the night to pull the group from the cave about 5 a.m. Sunday.”

— Texas Game Wardens (nbcdfw.com)

What’s next

The injured researcher's condition and status will be monitored as she receives medical treatment at the hospital in Odessa.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers and challenges involved in exploring and researching some of Texas's deepest and most remote cave systems. The successful rescue operation, however, highlights the importance of coordination and cooperation between multiple emergency response agencies in handling complex, high-stakes situations in remote and treacherous environments.