Man Found Dead After Cliff Dive Near Gilbert

Jun 5

A 27-year-old man from the Virginia, Minn. area died Thursday evening after jumping into a mine pit near Gilbert.

Emergency crews were called around 4:18 p.m. on June 5 after a 911 caller reported that his friend had gone missing while cliff diving into the water at the Genoa Pit.

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According to the report, the man resurfaced after jumping, then disappeared around a corner and was not seen again. Authorities identified the victim as 27 year old Axel John Jurva of Virginia.

The caller attempted to locate Jurva but was unsuccessful and contacted authorities. Multiple agencies responded and launched an extensive search effort. Crews used boats, divers, and sonar to search the water.

Jurva was later found deceased in the mine pit. The cause of death remains under investigation.

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