Orion Knox Jr., founder of San Antonio’s Natural Bridge Caverns, dies at 81
Knox died on Saturday, December 31, 2022. He was 81 years old.
He was a key developer in making the space accessible to visitors by installing pathways and lights. After Natural Bridge Caverns opened, Knox stayed involved by surveying the space and exploring its depths.
“Thanks to Orion’s passion for exploration and discovery, tens of millions of people have been able to visit Natural Bridge Caverns to experience nature, wonder, and adventure of their own,” the Facebook post reads.
Orion Knox squeezing through a very narrow passage dubbed “The Birth Canal.”
Bennett Lee /Courtesy
Photos shared on Facebook show Knox, often seen with a smile and gear for his adventures, within the caves through the decades.
Knox was part of a caving expedition in 2019 at the tender age of 78, according to the social media post from the attraction’s team. Though a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease had prevented him from continuing his caving explorations, Knox remained involved with the happenings and development of Natural Bridge Caverns and even attended the attraction’s Christmas event with his wife, Jan.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be set, but will be announced when available.
