Jewel Cave Explorer Herb Conn Dies at 91

A South Dakota man known as a caving legend for his work in mapping the underground passages of the Black Hills passed away in Custer, SD .

Herb Conn died Wednesday at the age of 91 (°Apr. 16, 1920 - †Feb. 1, 2012). He is survived by his wife, Jan.

The couple lived in a unique stone home in the Custer area without running water or electricity for more than 50 years.

Together with his wife, Herb was heavily involved in the exploration of Jewel Cave throughout the 60′s and 70′s.

Herb and Jan Conn began exploring Jewel Cave a mile at a time back in 1959, eventually documenting and mapping 65 miles of passageways, which resulted in the discovery that the cave is the second longest in the world (currently over 253 km of passages have been mapped).

Also vivid climbers the Conn’s (co-)authored several books and articles on rock climbing and caving, for instance:

• The Jewel Cave Adventure, on his and Jan's exploration and mapping of 50 miles of Jewel cave
• The Adventure Climbs of Herb and Jan Conn, Lindsay Stephens Documents 240 of the Conn's climbs in the Needles.

At his request there will be no services.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.