John Edward Jones He was 26 years old and had a life full of promise. Medical student in Virginia, recently married and father of a young daughter, his love for speleology It had accompanied him since his childhood. It was a passion that he shared with his family, and it was precisely this hobby that led him, on November 24, 2009, to delve into the depths of Nutty Putty Cave, a cave in southeastern Utah. He was accompanied by his brother Josh and nine other friends, with the intention of reliving those moments of adventure that he enjoyed so much in his youth.
Nutty Putty Caves were known among explorers for their narrow and challenging passages. Despite warnings and the reputation of dangerous places, John, with his 1.80 meters tall and 90 kilos in weight, he felt confident to explore. He decided to venture through a passage that he believed was the famous “birth canal.” He exhaled deeply to pass through a tiny space just 25 centimeters wide by 45 centimeters high, and he managed to do it, but he soon realized his mistake.
In an unfortunate turn, John got stuck at a 70 degree angle in a little explored area known as “Bob Push”. Trying to free him, his brother Josh, who was the first to find him, only managed to slide him further down, but John became even more immobilized. With no other options, Josh quickly left the cave to find help.
Rescuers arrived approximately three and a half hours after the call for help.
The operation to free him lasted for 27 hours and mobilized more than 100 rescuers. In the midst of the darkness and silence of the cave, John’s voice broke the tension: “Thank you for coming, but I really want to go out.” These words were a testament to his desperation and urgency of the situation.
Rescuers faced an unprecedented challenge. John was stuck in an upright position, head down, at a 70 degree angle.which made any attempt at liberation extremely difficult.
The pressure placed on his body, especially his vital organs, was a constant worry. The initial strategy was to tie John with a system of pulleys and ropes to try to mobilize him. However, the slimy clay that covered the walls of the cave complicated the situation.
The first hours were crucial. Every minute that passed, John’s conditions were deteriorating. Rescuers worked tirelessly, alternating shifts to keep efforts continuous.
The team was made up of caving experts, firefighters, doctors and local volunteersall united by the common goal of saving John.
As the operation progressed, the situation became increasingly desperate. One of the most critical moments occurred when one of the rescue system pulleys came loose from its anchorage due to clayreturning John to his initial position and causing a devastating setback in the efforts. This technical failure not only aggravated John’s situation, but also caused injuries to one of the rescuers, who was hit in the face by a metal police officer.
The physical and emotional pressure on the rescue team was immense. Each failed attempt increased the anguish and uncertainty. Despite the tireless efforts and determination of the rescuers, John’s body began to succumb to the pressure.
The blood pooled in his head, putting an unbearable strain on his heart. In his last moments, John expressed his fear and despair in a whisper: “I’m stuck here. “I’m not going out, am I?”
Finally, After 27 hours of fighting, John’s heart stopped beating. He was pronounced dead on November 25, 2009, shortly before midnight. His tragic death was a devastating blow to his family, rescuers and the entire community.
The cave was permanently sealed after the incident, leaving John trapped forever in the place where he lost his life. His memory lives on, not only on the plaque placed outside the cave, but in the hearts of all those who participated in the desperate and exhausting attempt to save him.
John’s story and his love of caving has also been immortalized in the film “The Last Descent”released in 2016, which chronicles the events that led to his death and the intense rescue effort that followed.
The story of John Edward Jones is a mix of passion and tragedy, a testament to the dangers of caving and the lasting impact on those who knew and loved him. Nutty Putty Cave, now sealed, serves as a silent monument to his memory and a warning to all who seek to venture into the depths of the earth.
Nutty Putty Cavelocated southwest of Utah Lake near Salt Lake City, was discovered in 1960 and quickly became a popular destination for caving enthusiastsespecially among Boy Scouts and college students.
This cave, formed by hydrothermal activity, is known for its narrow and complex passages, characteristic of the hypogenic caves. The temperature inside remains around 12.7 degrees Celsius throughout the year, and its slimy clay formations gave it its name, inspired by the Silly Putty toy.
Nutty Putty’s popularity was due in part to its apparent accessibility. It was considered by many to be an easy cave to explore, attracting thousands of visitors each year. However, its labyrinth of narrow, winding passages hid significant dangers.
Between 1999 and 2004, at least six people were trapped in their tickets, including areas nicknamed “The Helmet Eater,” “The Scout Eater,” and “The Birth Canal.” Although all of these incidents resulted in successful rescueswere a warning sign about the risks of the cave.
In 2005, safety concerns at Nutty Putty increased following the tragic death of four young people in a nearby cave. This event led authorities to close Nutty Putty in 2006, citing security concerns. It was not until May 2009 that the cave reopened under a new management plan that included a reservation system and the installation of a padlock at the entrance to control access.
The tragic death of John Edward Jones in November 2009 was the event that led to the permanent closure of Nutty Putty Cave. The rescuers, facing extreme conditions and the complexity of the cave, were unable to recover his body, which remains trapped inside.
The entrance to the cave was sealed with concrete, making it a memorial to John. This incident marked a turning point in the caving community and highlighted the need for greater awareness and preparation when exploring caves.
