Thread: Idaho cave dweller dies

Cave Dweller "Dugout" Dick Passes Away

"Dugout" Dick Live In Caves Near Salmon For More Than 60 Years


SALMON, Idaho -- One of the most eccentric and amusing characters Idaho has ever seen, passed away this week, says the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office.

Someone called the sheriff’s office Wednesday staying they found the body of Dick Zimmerman, better known as “Dugout Dick.”

Dick lived in the caves near Salmon for more than 60 years.

In 1948, Dick claimed the land his own and carved out the caves with only a hammer and chisel.

Some of the caves go back a hundred feet.

He only charged $5 a night to stay in the caves to people passing through.

Many described him as a generous man."He's a great guy. He'd do anything for anybody. He's got a heart that's unbelievable. If you're down and out, he'll take you in. He's just that type of guy,” said cave dweller Bruce in a May 2006 interview with Local News 8.

Dick’s exact birthday is unknown, but he was born in 1916 making him around 94 years old.The coroner said he died of natural causes.

Cave Dweller "Dugout" Dick Passes Away - Local News Story - KIFI Idaho Falls