Officials say a man who had been exploring a southeastern Kentucky cave fell into a deep pit and died.

Pulaski County Coroner Richard New says crews were working Wednesday night to recover the body of 21-year-old Steven Troxell of Somerset.

New says Troxell and two companions had been exploring the Sloans Valley cave, a 25-mile long system known as one of the longest in the world, when he slid and fell into the cone-shaped, 30-foot-deep pit. His companions called 911 about 3 p.m. EST.

New says the opening to the cave is on private property, and it was not clear whether the owners were aware the three people were in the cave.

The coroner said the three were not experienced cavers.